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H.454 creates district-boundary subcommittee, asks for up to three boundary proposals targeting approximate 4,000-student districts
Summary
H.454 would create a district-boundary subcommittee tasked with producing up to three school-district maps that, where practicable, aim for districts with an average daily membership of approximately 4,000 students and submit maps and methodology to the Legislature by Dec. 1, 2025.
Markup language in H.454 would create a district-boundary subcommittee composed of the five nonvoting commission members to develop proposed school district boundaries and submit a report and detailed maps to legislative committees by Dec. 1, 2025.
The subcommittee’s charge, as described by legislative counsel, includes developing not more than three district-boundary proposals that, to the extent practicable, increase equitable access to educational opportunity, maximize opportunities for modern regional middle and high schools while minimizing student disruption, provide access to kindergarten through grade 12, and, to the extent practical, result in districts with a minimum average daily membership (ADM) of approximately 4,000 students.
Required deliverables and data elements
The draft requires the subcommittee to submit: (a) a report explaining how each proposed map meets statutory criteria; and (b) detailed maps for each proposal that include, at minimum, average daily membership for the 2023–24 school year for each proposed district, member towns, locations and grades of public schools and approved independent schools eligible for public tuition as of July 1, 2025, five-year facility condition index scores, PCB testing results, and 10-year enrollment change (2013–2023) for each school.
Public engagement and technical assistance
The subcommittee must coordinate with the commission’s public engagement subcommittee and with a public-engagement consultant to maximize input. The Agency of Digital Services and the Vermont Center for Geographic Information are listed as assistance providers; the transcript noted the money for technical contracts would rest with AOE, though ADS could hold contracts if directed.
Committee discussion
Members asked whether the "approximately 4,000" ADM figure was flexible and how geographic size or bus time considerations would be weighed. Staff described the 4,000 target as "strong guidance" but not an absolute floor; the subcommittee could include options that vary from the suggested target and would provide rationale in its report.
Next steps
The draft sets a Dec. 1, 2025 deadline for the subcommittee’s final recommendations and maps to multiple legislative committees. The committee emphasized that the subcommittee would retain sole authority to determine the contents of its maps and report, though the commission may provide comments or an addendum.
