This commentary is by Flor Diaz Smith, president of the Vermont School Boards Association.
As this school year ends, schools are celebrating graduations. This is an important moment for all our students, families and educators across Vermont. It is a celebration that public education is at the center of our communities and the foundation of our democracy. As our high school graduates around the state go out into the world, we are reminded that providing an equitable, high-quality education is something that everyone wants.
School board members across Vermont are focused on providing a high-quality education at a cost that is supported by taxpayers. In this extremely challenging time, with costs rising and record numbers of district budget defeats, school board members are as concerned as everyone else about increases in property taxes. They also know that there is no quick and easy solution — we must address the root causes of the increases within the education system.
Gov. Scott’s veto of the yield bill was disappointing because it raised the problem of rising property taxes without providing solutions. His proposals did not address the root causes of increasing costs within Vermont’s education system. In fact, the governor’s proposal to use reserve funds to decrease taxes this year would have created a fiscal hole to fill next year, putting us further from any real solutions.
The General Assembly’s override of the governor’s veto of the yield bill creates the conditions for school boards, the Legislature, the governor and other stakeholders to do the critically important work of addressing the root causes of increasing costs and creating a better funding system. This work begins right away and school board members take it very seriously. Everyone involved must acknowledge that our current system isn’t working for students or taxpayers.
As we look ahead, we must support the public education system in a sustainable way and address the financial burden faced by taxpayers. This will be the work of the Commission on the Future of Public Education created by the yield bill. The Commission’s discussions should be of interest to all stakeholders.
One of the most important things we can offer our students is an environment that promotes sharing ideas, showing respect and finding common ground. Rather than blaming legislators, school boards, or anyone else for the education funding challenges the state faces, we urge the governor to work with us to address the root causes. School boards, the governor, legislators and others can set an example for our students by working together with tolerance, understanding and open minds. The goal is to make sense of the future together.