Vt. Senate passes education reform bill with voluntary school district mergers after compromise deal

May 28, 2026 - 02:20

The Vermont Senate has approved a major education reform bill that aims to restructure the state's school system without forcing districts to merge. The legislation, passed after a compromise deal, replaces earlier proposals that would have mandated consolidation of many small school districts.

Under the new plan, school districts may choose to merge voluntarily, but no community will be required to give up its local school. The bill also introduces a revised funding formula designed to address disparities between wealthy and poorer towns. Supporters say the changes will help control rising property taxes while preserving local control over education.

The compromise came after intense debate in Montpelier. Some lawmakers had pushed for mandatory mergers, arguing that Vermont has too many small districts with high administrative costs. Others resisted, warning that forced consolidation would harm rural communities and close neighborhood schools.

The bill now moves to the House, where similar legislation has stalled in previous sessions. Governor Phil Scott has not taken a formal position on the latest version, but he has previously called for significant education cost reductions. If the House passes the bill and the governor signs it, the voluntary merger process and new funding rules could take effect as early as next year.