The “Keep the Public in Public Education” rally held at the Vermont State House on February 25, 2025, brought together a diverse group of speakers to discuss the importance of public education and the need for fair taxation to support it. Organized by the Public Assets Institute and other local organizations, the event underscored the critical role of public schools in fostering community cohesion and civic engagement.
The Heart of Local Communities
Public Schools: More Than Just Education
Public schools serve as the heart of local communities, providing more than just education. They create environments where students learn vital civic virtues such as listening across differences, negotiating trade-offs, and identifying common ground. Susan Clark of Middlesex emphasized the importance of public schools in fostering an informed and engaged citizenry. She noted that the essence of democracy is cultivated within school walls, where students not only learn academic subjects but also the values of discussion, compromise, and collective decision-making. Public schools lay the foundation for a participatory democracy by preparing future citizens to engage in community and civic matters thoughtfully and respectfully.
In addition to civic virtues, public schools also function as community hubs where local events, meetings, and activities are held. This role makes them pivotal in knitting the social fabric of towns and cities. As spaces where different generations can interact and collaborate, schools nurture intergenerational bonds and contribute to the overall vibrancy and resilience of communities. The rally highlighted that diminishing support for public schools threatens not just education but the very essence of communal life.
The Role of Educators and Community Members
Educators, parents, and community members play a significant role in supporting public schools. Their collective efforts ensure that schools remain integral parts of their communities, contributing to the overall well-being and development of students. Teachers, in particular, are seen as pillars of the educational system, providing more than just instruction but also mentorship and emotional support. The dedication and passion of educators are crucial for creating a nurturing and effective learning environment.
Parents and community members also contribute by participating in school boards, volunteering for events, and supporting extracurricular activities. Their involvement bridges the gap between school and home and reinforces the idea that education is a community endeavor. This collaboration ensures that the interests and needs of students are met, fostering a more inclusive and responsive education system.
Preparing Students for the Future
The Importance of Robust K-12 Education
Liz Schlegel, executive director of The Alchemist Foundation, highlighted the necessity of a robust and inclusive K-12 education system. With 40% of Vermont students concluding their education at high school graduation, it is crucial to provide them with the resources and opportunities needed to succeed in life beyond high school. Schlegel emphasized that a strong K-12 education system can equip students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to navigate an increasingly complex world. By investing in elementary and secondary education, Vermont can ensure that students are well-prepared for higher education, vocational training, or immediate entry into the workforce.
A comprehensive K-12 education must include academic rigor, career readiness programs, and social-emotional learning initiatives. This holistic approach guarantees that students are not only literate and numerate but also resilient, adaptable, and empathetic individuals. Schlegel pointed out that the education system has the potential to significantly influence students’ trajectories, making it imperative to develop policies that support equitable access to high-quality education for all.
Addressing Educational Inequality
Schlegel also pointed out the significant investment in public education and its potential to either reduce or exacerbate inequality. Ensuring that all students receive the necessary resources can help bridge the gap in educational equity, providing every child with a fair chance to succeed. She called for targeted interventions to support under-resourced schools and students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Addressing disparities in funding, access to advanced coursework, and availability of support services can level the playing field and prevent systemic inequalities from perpetuating.
Research shows that educational inequality can have lasting impacts on individuals and society, affecting economic mobility, health outcomes, and civic participation. By prioritizing policies that promote equitable resource distribution, Vermont can create a more just and prosperous future. Schlegel’s remarks underscored the importance of viewing educational funding not merely as an expense but as a crucial investment in the state’s social and economic capital.
Community Partnerships and Hands-On Learning
Collaborating with Local Businesses and Farmers
Jamie Kinnarney, superintendent of the White River Valley Supervisory Union, shared how schools in his district collaborate with local businesses, farmers, and mentors. These partnerships provide students with hands-on learning experiences that align with their interests and goals while maintaining academic rigor. Kinnarney explained that such experiential learning opportunities help students connect classroom knowledge with real-world applications, enhancing their understanding and engagement. Collaborative initiatives with local enterprises also foster a sense of community and encourage students to consider diverse career pathways.
For instance, students may participate in internships, apprenticeships, or project-based learning activities that allow them to explore fields such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. These experiences not only bolster students’ practical skills but also help them build networks and relationships within the community. Kinnarney emphasized that these partnerships are essential in creating a dynamic and relevant educational environment that prepares students for future success.
Prioritizing Rural Communities
Kinnarney stressed the importance of prioritizing the needs of students, families, and rural communities in any reforms to the state’s public education system. He warned against changes that could lead to the disappearance of small rural towns, which heavily rely on their local schools for social and educational cohesion. Rural schools often serve as cultural and social centers, and their closure can have far-reaching consequences for local populations. Kinnarney called for policies that consider the unique challenges faced by rural schools, such as limited resources, geographical isolation, and demographic shifts.
Supporting rural education involves ensuring that these schools have access to adequate funding, high-quality educators, and modern facilities. Kinnarney urged policymakers to engage with rural communities to understand their specific needs and develop solutions that reinforce the sustainability and vitality of these areas. By doing so, Vermont can preserve the rich heritage and tight-knit nature of its rural communities while providing all students with quality education opportunities.
Equitable Funding and Resources
Supporting Strong Schools and Communities
Kate McCann, Vermont’s 2017 Teacher of the Year, called for equitable funding and resources for all schools. She emphasized that strong schools are linked to strong communities and that every child should have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or where they live. McCann highlighted the relationship between educational quality and community health, stating that well-funded schools with ample resources contribute to the overall development and prosperity of the area. When schools thrive, they attract families and businesses, fostering economic growth and social stability.
McCann argued that educational equity requires a nuanced understanding of different communities’ needs and challenges. She advocated for a funding model that considers disparities in property wealth and local revenue-raising capacity. By ensuring that schools in underserved areas receive sufficient support, Vermont can work towards closing the achievement gap and promoting a more inclusive education system.
Fair Taxation for All Vermonters
McCann argued that the tax burden should not disproportionately fall on low- and middle-income Vermonters. She urged for the wealthiest to contribute their fair share, ensuring that public education is adequately funded and that resources are distributed equitably. McCann’s call for fair taxation aimed to address the systemic inequalities that can arise from a regressive tax structure, where lower-income households bear a heavier relative burden. A fairer taxation approach would involve progressive tax policies that require higher contributions from those with greater financial capacity, thereby relieving the strain on less affluent families.
Such a reformation in tax policy could enable the state to generate ample revenue for necessary investments in public education. McCann underscored that fairness in taxation is not merely a financial matter but also an ethical imperative. By ensuring a more equitable distribution of the tax burden, Vermont can uphold the principle of social justice and create a more balanced and effective public education system.
Engaging the Community in Discussions
Student Voices and Budget Concerns
Among the students who spoke at the rally was Harmony Belle Devoe, a 10th grader from Harwood Union High School. Devoe expressed concern about potential budget cuts and their impact on valuable teachers and school nursing positions. Her message highlighted the direct effects of underfunding on students’ learning experiences. Devoe’s testimony provided a poignant reminder of the real-life consequences of financial decisions on educational outcomes. She shared her personal journey, illustrating how supportive teachers had transformed her academic experience and ignited her passion for learning.
Devoe warned that without adequate funding, schools might be forced to cut essential programs and staff, compromising the quality of education. Student voices like hers are crucial in shaping policy discussions and ensuring that the perspectives of those directly affected are heard and considered. By involving students in conversations about budgeting and funding, Vermont can foster a more inclusive and responsive education system.
Addressing Income Sensitivity in Education Property Taxes
On February 25, 2025, the Vermont State House was the venue for the “Keep the Public in Public Education” rally, which brought together a diverse group of speakers passionate about the significance of public education. The event was organized by the Public Assets Institute alongside other local organizations, highlighting the essential role that public schools play in building community unity and encouraging civic involvement. Speakers at the rally emphasized the necessity of fair taxation to adequately fund public schools, advocating for an equitable system that ensures all students have access to quality education. The gathering served as a powerful reminder that public education is a cornerstone of democratic society, fostering not only academic growth but also social and civic responsibilities. By drawing attention to these issues, the rally aimed to galvanize support for policies that uphold and strengthen the public education system, ensuring it remains a robust and inclusive institution that benefits all members of the community.
