The Coalition for Vermont Student Equity unites a diverse array of school districts, supervisory unions, and school board members from every corner of the state. Our coalition is a tapestry of communities, each distinct in its makeup, yet united by a singular, powerful conviction: every child in Vermont must have access to equitable educational opportunities. This shared belief galvanizes our collective efforts to advocate for systemic change within Vermont's education system.

As we move forward, the Coalition for Vermont Student Equity is committed to vigilant oversight and engagement in the unfolding story of Act 127. We will continue to advocate for the resources and support necessary to eliminate disparities in educational access and outcomes. Together, we envision a future where the success of Vermont's children is not predicated on their zip code, economic status or background, but fostered by a truly equitable educational system. Join us in this critical journey toward achieving educational equity for all of Vermont's children.

In 2018/2019, the Vermont Legislature commissioned a comprehensive study from esteemed educational researchers at UVM, Rutgers, and the National Institute for Research to examine the state's education funding formula and its use of weighting factors. These weights determine the funding allocated for students with varying educational needs. Delivered to the legislature in 2019, the study revealed that the existing weights were not only outdated but also failed to reflect the actual costs of educating children who require additional support, such as those in poverty, in rural areas, attending small schools, or New American English Language Learners.

Fast forward to today, after significant advocacy and collaboration, Vermont has taken a historic leap forward with the passing of Act 127, informed by the recommendations of the 2019 report. This legislation updates the funding formula, providing a more equitable distribution of educational resources across districts. Act 127 is a testament to Vermont’s commitment to its students, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed, irrespective of their circumstances.

As we move into the next phase of this journey, we stand firm in our belief that true equity can only be achieved by addressing the systemic issues in our funding formula. The comprehensive approach taken by Act 127 is essential for providing long-lasting equity and certainty for our districts to plan for a future where every student thrives.

Act 127 isn't just a legislative success; it's a beacon of hope for a brighter educational future in Vermont, and CVTSE is proud to be at the forefront of this transformative change. Join us as we continue to advocate for the resources our schools need to unlock every student's potential. Together, we are building a legacy of educational fairness and excellence in Vermont.

The Pupil Weighting Factors Report, submitted to the Vermont legislature in 2019, sparked a critical dialogue on educational equity. Despite initial delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our persistence paid off as we navigated the complexities of remote legislative sessions. Through concerted efforts and robust member support, we successfully influenced the passage of S.13, which initially aimed to set up a task force with a broad mandate.

CVTSE actively narrowed the scope of this task force, ensuring it focused on essential reforms. This focused approach, coupled with a strategic push to include a moratorium on the excess spending threshold, marked significant progress in our advocacy.

As the legislation moved through the Senate and was eventually signed by the governor, CVTSE's role was pivotal in shaping the outcome. Our ongoing commitment is to use our collective voice and experiences to inform and guide both legislative and executive actions, ensuring that Vermont's educational policies continue to reflect the needs and rights of all students. This mission drives us to ensure that educational equity remains at the forefront of policy decisions, supported by informed, deliberate actions that benefit every child in Vermont.

Our Coalition is now focused on ensuring the successful implementation of the recommendations from the Pupil Weighting Factors Report, which were adopted during the 2021/2022 legislative biennium. With the formula corrected, our work shifts to supporting districts as they transition to a more equitable distribution of education funds. This crucial phase is about ensuring that districts, historically disadvantaged by outdated weights, receive their fair share and that the promise of equitable education funding becomes a reality for all Vermont students.