Committee considers out‑of‑state pre‑K tuition for geographically isolated districts

The House Education Committee reviewed a draft provision that would ask the Agency of Education to define “geographically isolated school district” and establish a process allowing pre‑K students in such districts to enroll in and receive state‑funded tuition for approved pre‑K programs located outside Vermont, if certain conditions are met.

A committee member explained the draft would require a district to pay tuition for up to 10 hours per week for 35 weeks to an out‑of‑state pre‑K program when (1) the student resides in a geographically isolated district, (2) the provider is approved to deliver publicly funded pre‑K under the laws of New Hampshire, and (3) the program is located within 25 miles of the Vermont border. The language is intended to address access issues in northeastern (Northeast Kingdom) communities where on‑island options are limited.

Members discussed which witnesses and advocates to invite, including representatives from Building Bright Futures, Let’s Grow Kids, and local parent leaders such as Sharon Ellenwood (who organized Northeast Kingdom Day). Committee members indicated the item has minimal opposition and could be considered as an amendment to other legislation (H.454 was suggested as a possible vehicle). The committee agreed to gather testimony from AOE and local advocates before moving the language forward.

Background: committee staff said the draft is cleanup language that inserts the tuition requirement into the statutory section that funds pre‑K; proponents emphasized the provision applies only where in‑state options are unavailable and the out‑of‑state program meets approval standards.

Next steps: the committee asked staff to assemble witnesses and to consider placing the language as an amendment to another bill so the provision can be advanced with committee support. No formal vote was recorded.