In Support of Our Rural Schools

GLOVER— Last week, there was a Public Education Town Hall held at Hazen Union School, which I unfortunately could not attend. This is why I had to miss it: At that moment, I was at the bargaining table on the House Committee of Education, crafting language in H.454, the new education transformation bill, to better fit rural Vermont’s needs.

I know many are anxious about this bill, and some misinformation is spreading. One key piece I worked on was protecting the Articles of Agreement, ensuring only towns, not district school boards, can vote to close their schools. The bill originally proposed eliminating this local authority, but I successfully removed that provision, safeguarding local control.



Another section that we adjusted on Thursday evening was to lower the class-size minimums for high schools from 20 to 18. This two-student difference might seem minor, but over a two-year average, it could determine whether a school stays open or not. That said, I want to reassure everyone: No local schools are at immediate risk of state-imposed closure. This bill’s class-size provision won’t take effect until 2026, and schools can apply for waivers based on rural isolation.

If a school doesn’t meet the standard for two consecutive years, a lengthy state-led improvement process follows. Any potential closure would be years down the road, not tomorrow. So while I am still actively fighting for these class-size minimums to include more waivers for small communities like ours, I am also hopeful that this lengthy process could buy us the time we need to strengthen our school systems.



So what can we do now? The biggest challenge is how we fund education, particularly in regards to skyrocketing healthcare costs and our tax structure. Reform at the state and national levels requires strong unified advocacy.

More locally, those passionate about saving small schools must connect with those working on housing. Meeting class-size numbers depends on growing our towns, which requires housing and job opportunities. This is not just an issue of education, but of education, housing, and economic growth. 



Additionally, we can also avoid mandated closures by strengthening our schools from within, and providing local students with such a high-quality education that it would be impossible to argue that our schools aren’t meeting every other educational quality standard.

While our local schools are doing wonderful things, many kids are struggling with anxiety, depression, literacy and engagement.

Teachers alone can’t solve this. As a community, we must all try to foster in our students a sense of purpose and a love of learning through additional opportunities in STEM, art, literacy and mentoring programs. This helps truly demonstrate the importance of small-town community schools.



Finally, you can arm yourself against the spread of misinformation by reading and tracking the bill, watching testimony and reaching out to your legislators. Consolidating districts does not necessarily mean consolidating schools, and we did not give up our Articles of Agreement.

Sharing accurate information helps.

The decision to assign redistricting maps to a focus group is not about delay but about ensuring we get this right. Protecting small schools means placing them in the right districts with considerations for geography, transportation and community culture.

We expect three proposed redistricting maps by January. While this process may feel slow, it is necessary to get right.

 I wish I could believe our beautiful rural towns could stay the same forever, but change is inevitable.

From my seat at the table, I know we can’t stop the consolidation of our 119 districts, but we can shape it to include rural voices. I expect we’ll see more than the five districts originally proposed, but fewer than 20.

I am determined to ensure that rural voices remain strong in the new system. 



As someone who teaches English classes of just four or five students, I know that too small isn’t always ideal. Larger high schools can sometimes offer more robust academic opportunities and wider social circles.

So now is a time that we should not be running from change but instead shaping it to fit our diverse rural needs. That isn’t just about size; it’s about opportunity, spirit, and community. 



I promise I am pulling hard right now for our small towns.

The bill isn’t perfect, and you will see changes as it moves through Ways & Means, the House and the Senate. Each step is an additional chance for you to make your voice heard.

Thank you to everyone who has shared your concerns and your questions with me over the past few weeks. and most importantly, thank you for your stories of how much you value our small schools. It is deeply appreciated.

 www.vtrepleanneharple.com

Representative Leanne Harple serves Orleans House District 4: Albany, Craftsbury, Glover and Greensboro