Royalton, Vt. — Students at White River Valley High School told members of the Vermont Senate Education Committee during a site visit that proposals to consolidate local schools into larger regional campuses would reduce student access to sports, arts and hands-on learning and make travel to school and after-school activities much harder for families.

"You're gonna be picking and choosing the best of the best for your sports teams," said Aubrey McKenzie, a senior at White River Valley High School, describing how a hypothetical 800-student consolidated school could impose cuts that small schools currently avoid. Several students described current local practice in which nearly every student who tries out can play, and said they value the inclusive opportunities small schools provide.

Beyond athletics and theater, students described academic trade-offs. One student said her AP Calculus class had only three students and that virtual alternatives are difficult for advanced coursework. "Calculus, definitely not," the student said when asked whether advanced math could be learned effectively via remote instruction, adding that small class sizes and personal access to teachers are important for mastering higher-level subjects.

Transportation and commute times were raised repeatedly. Students reported commutes of 30–90 minutes for some peers, routes without bus service and late-night returns after extracurriculars. One student said track meets required departures as early as 5:40 a.m.; others said long bus rides or no bus service would hinder students who work or care for family members.

Jamie Kenarney, superintendent of schools at the White River Valley Supervisory Union, described the SU's geography and choice landscape, saying the SU serves 10 towns and that many students exercise choice among roughly 40 different secondary schools across and beyond the state. Kenarney referenced past district consolidations under Act 46 and said the SU has explored partnerships with nearby academies to broaden course offerings.

Students also pointed to a failed community bond that would have funded building upgrades including a more secure entrance and a performing arts rehearsal space. Students and other witnesses said the bond's defeat reduced participation in music and theatre programs; one student said some voters opposed the bond over a perceived immediate tax increase even though outside funding was expected.

Committee members pressed students on costs and trade-offs. Senators asked whether consolidations would save money and how to balance educational opportunity with taxpayer burdens. Students urged legislators to pursue targeted investments or reallocation of funds to preserve opportunities rather than closing local schools.

The visit concluded with committee members thanking students for their testimony and touring the high school. No formal actions or votes were taken during the site visit.