Education committee presses for draft bill, details on governor’s foundation‑formula and governance plan

Members of the Vermont Legislature’s Education Committee on Feb. 5 discussed the administration’s twin proposals to move the state to a foundation funding formula and to reorganize K‑12 governance, but said they do not yet have draft bill language and are worried about the limited time before crossover.

The committee chair opened the session by noting there were no witnesses available until 2:45 p.m., and suggested using the time for internal discussion of testimony the committee has already received on the foundation formula and preliminary governance ideas. "We don't have witnesses until 02:45," the chair said.

Committee members repeatedly urged the administration to provide a draft bill as soon as possible so legislators can begin formal review. One member said, "my biggest concern is the fact that we're maybe a month away from crossover and we still don't have language in front of us," and urged clarity on whether the committee will receive full drafting from the administration or must begin writing its own language.

Members asked for specific analyses…