Candidates propose different fixes for Vermont's education funding strain

Pearl Lucero Beckage told the forum a sustainable education funding model must preserve excellent schools while ensuring the system is financially sustainable for taxpayers, advocating shared services and consolidation in some cases. "We need to take a hard look at the cost of maintaining our current system including administration, facilities, transportation, and other, fixed costs," she said.

Ray Garofano highlighted a foundation formula and corporate education service areas (CSAs) to scale services and share bookkeeping and administrative functions. Eric Post pointed to rising health-insurance costs as a driver of per-pupil spending and said addressing benefits costs is essential to controlling school budgets. Lynn Smith said there is no one-size-fits-all answer and emphasized efficiency, outcomes and tailoring solutions to local circumstances.

None of the candidates provided full legislative text or a funding schedule during the forum; they framed proposals as priorities to pursue if elected.