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Vermont education officials urge caution, data and transition plans as legislature weighs foundation formula
Summary
Representatives of the Vermont School Boards Association, Vermont NEA and Vermont Principals Association told a joint House Education and Ways & Means hearing that any move to a foundation funding formula must include reliable data, transition mechanisms and safeguards to prevent steep cuts to programs and staff.
Representatives of three statewide education groups told a joint hearing of the Vermont House Education and House Ways & Means committees that the legislature should not rush changes to school funding and must provide clear data, transition mechanisms and accountability before adopting a foundation formula.
"The Agency of Education is expected to be the most trusted source of financial data related to Vermont education," said Sue Zaglowski, executive director and general counsel of the Vermont School Boards Association, testifying for VSBA. Zaglowski said the Agency has not provided timely, consistent financial data and urged the legislature to require improved data, modeling and predictable timelines.
Why it matters: Witnesses said an underfunded or poorly designed foundation formula could force widespread staff cuts, weaken services for high‑need students and shift costs to local voters. Jeff Phan, who identified himself as executive director of Vermont NEA, estimated the governor's proposal…
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