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Senate education committee hears case for small, community-led rural schools during White River Valley visit
Summary
At White River Valley High School, educators and principals told the Senate Education Committee that small, community-rooted schools and the community-school model produce stronger relationships, wraparound services and improved student outcomes, while urging careful, locally led merger processes.
The Senate Education Committee visited White River Valley High School on a field hearing to hear from students, teachers and principals about the strengths and challenges of small, rural schools. Committee chair Seth Bongart opened the session and said the delegation had toured campuses and convened panels so senators could "see what rural schools look like" and hear directly from those "very close to the ground."
Educators stressed that close relationships and local partnerships are central to students' success. "School is the heart of community," said Brian Eric, a librarian at Newton School, summarizing a staff survey he compiled. Mary Shell, community school coordinator for White River Valley Supervisory Union, said the community-school…
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