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Burlington superintendent warns state, federal education proposals could undermine equitable funding; board plans local outreach
Summary
Superintendent Tom Flanagan told the Burlington School Board that recent state and federal proposals would not immediately change district operations but raised concerns about a proposed statewide governance model and a new foundational funding formula. The board agreed to mobilize constituent outreach and monitor developments.
Superintendent Tom Flanagan told the Burlington School Board on Feb. 4 that recent state and federal policy proposals have not changed how the district is operating, but he urged vigilance as proposals move through the legislature.
Flanagan said the U.S. Secretary of Education reminded districts of existing protections for immigrant and LGBTQ+ students and that the district is “taking it really seriously” while balancing careful messaging and avoiding panic. "So far is no," he said when asked whether the federal actions had altered district operations.
Flanagan warned the board about a governor-backed proposal to reorganize the state into five districts and to move Vermont to a foundational funding formula. He said the new formula contains weights the district must examine and expressed concern that the process feels “done to people and not with people.” He noted his fear that the package could divert attention from the work to secure equitable funding the district and advocates achieved in past years.
Board members urged active engagement. Commissioner Vander Putten (as recorded) recommended constituents begin with school board members and local legislators to relay concerns; Commissioner Waltz and others urged use of public links and legislative committee recordings to follow developments. The board agreed to compile questions and consider outreach to the House and Senate education committees.
Why it matters: Burlington leaders said potential changes to how education is governed and how funds are distributed could materially affect district budgets and local control. Board members emphasized rapid developments and said they will pursue interim coordination and constituent outreach before the board’s next full meeting on March 18.
Board next steps include: monitoring legislation, coordinating with local legislators, sharing links and summaries with neighborhood groups, and returning to the topic in committee meetings.
All attributions are taken from the meeting transcript.
