The Five District Problem: A Research and Policy Brief for the Governor's Transformative Education Plan

In the interest of saving money, improving equality, and improving educational outcomes, Governor Scott has proposed a Transformative Education Plan. The proposal is multi-faceted plan intended to change virtually all aspects of Vermont’s education system. While the rationale to improve education in Vermont is sound, the plan’s projected outcomes are not supported by quality research. It is therefore highly unlikely that the Governor’s Transformative Education Plan will reduce education costs or strengthen schools and communities. This research and policy brief specifically addresses the School Governance Proposal, which proposes consolidating Vermont’s 52 Supervisory Unions into 5 regional districts. The purpose of this brief is to review the elements of the Governance Proposal using empirical research, to ensure proposed reforms are educationally, organizationally, and economically sound. The brief focuses on four problems with the School Governance Proposal: School Closure: The plan will require schools to close but provides no guidance on how schools will be identified or how affected communities will be supported through school closure. Education Costs: The plan is highly unlikely to produce estimated cost savings, because consolidation will increase transportation costs, increase personnel costs, and increased infrastructure costs. School Choice: School choice combined with consolidation increases educational expenses and decreases educational efficiencies. Local Control: The proposed regional school boards, paired with school advisory boards, will decrease representation and local control, increase conflict and confusion for schools, and may increase outside influence in elections. Each of these potential problems are summarized using empirical research conducted in Vermont, or directly transferable to Vermont’s unique educational context. The brief also includes hyperlinks to white papers, policy briefs, government documents, and news articles to further explain each issue. It concludes with recommendations to improve the Governor’s Transformative Education Plan to ensure reforms are truly beneficial for students, schools, and communities.