VSBA reviews Conlon draft map, urges cost analyses, local input and funded transition for Act 73 redistricting

Representatives of the Vermont School Boards Association told the House Education Committee on Feb. 12 that Chair Conlon’s draft redistricting map (part of Act 73 deliberations) is a useful starting point but needs refinement, local input and explicit plans for funding and transitions before enactment.

"We supported the redistricting task force's proposal because it creates the conditions for meeting these criteria, and we encourage the legislature to build upon the work of the task force by refining the proposal and filling in the details," said Sue Zaglowski, executive director of the VSBA. She described a set of criteria in the association’s position paper titled responsible implementation of Act 73 and said VSBA evaluated Chair Conlon’s map with those criteria at a board meeting.

VSBA said the Conlon map generally creates smaller districts than an Agency of Education 'hybrid' scenario the association found too large in places. The witnesses highlighted geographic variation across regions that could complicate district boundaries and urged the legislature to consult directly with district leaders and school boards in affected areas.

The association raised specific concerns about the draft legislative language’s approach to contracting and designation of public or approved independent schools and asked for a clear definition of "reasonable access" for students. VSBA also urged the legislature to consider allowing districts to designate more than three schools when necessary to serve student needs in larger new districts.

VSBA repeatedly called for detailed cost analyses. "It must be supported by detailed cost analysis of current district finances and clearly projected savings," said VSBA’s testimony. Witnesses warned that consolidation could create significant facilities and transition costs — for example, combining districts may require addressing different capital plans and facility needs — and that anticipated savings will depend on many assumptions used in fiscal modeling. The VSBA said it had spent $5,000 on an impartial consultant study and would share that study with the committee.

Committee members and VSBA discussed staffing the Agency of Education to oversee transitions; VSBA said a well-funded agency and a clear transition plan are essential if districts consolidate. No formal action on redistricting was recorded in the provided transcript; the committee asked for more materials and local feedback to refine proposals.