Governor Phil Scott’s fifth inaugural address centered on reforming Vermont’s education funding system and addressing the rising cost of living, themes reflecting voters’ discontent from the recent election. In his speech, Scott proposed a transformative, multi-year education plan, which he plans to unveil with his budget proposal.
Key elements include adopting a foundation formula to calculate and standardize district spending, simplifying Vermont’s complex school governance structure, and exploring ways to reduce staffing while enhancing cost-efficiency.
Scott highlighted a concerning rise in education expenditures, from $1.6 billion in 2017 to over $2.3 billion today, and pointed out Vermont’s unusually small class sizes and decentralized governance as cost drivers.
His vision includes consolidating supervisory unions and school districts to streamline administration.
A foundation formula, common in other states, would shift funding control from local voters to the state, setting a base grant for schools and limiting the influence of higher spending by affluent districts on statewide taxes. The goal is to reduce inequities and create a more sustainable tax structure.
While acknowledging potential resistance, Scott urged bold action to prioritize student outcomes over preserving local control, a stance that resonated across party lines. Despite initial bipartisan support, substantial questions remain about implementation details, including how local districts would handle additional funding needs beyond the base grant.
Democratic leaders responded cautiously, emphasizing collaboration while awaiting more details. Senate President Pro Tem Phil Baruth noted that linking spending decisions to local tax rates could increase accountability, reducing legislative blame for tax hikes driven by voter-approved budgets. House Speaker Jill Krowinski echoed a readiness to pursue reform but stopped short of endorsing specific measures.
Scott’s proactive leadership marks a departure from previous accusations of inaction, positioning him at the forefront of an issue poised to dominate the legislative session.
However, Vermont’s Democrats, lacking a clear alternative, face pressure to collaborate or counter with a comprehensive plan. Meanwhile, a legislative commission studying education reform may be sidelined, as its timeline trails behind the fast-moving reform agenda.