Have you been wondering what will come of our local schools and Orleans Southwest Supervisory Union (OSSU) administration under the new education law? Me too! I encourage you to read my op-ed last month in The Gazette and other papers statewide, which lays out the basics of what may happen to our supervisory union and what kind of actions we can take right now to help influence the outcome.
hardwickgazette.org/2025/07/28/preserve–ossu–school–boards–preserve–local–democracy/
I believe local schools/boards are a cornerstone of rural democracy and community strength and wellbeing, and should be kept. This is why I advocate for OSSU to remain in a supervisory union structure. Whether or not you agree, now is the time to get informed, get involved and have a say in the outcome of the redistricting committee’s proposals which will be completed by December 1st.
Our school boards need our input so they can voice the community’s wishes to the OSSU board and to the redistricting committee before it’s too late! I urge you to write your school board members, show up to a meeting, and/or attend any forums they may be hosting for community input. All school board meetings are open to the public and community members are encouraged to attend.
The Wolcott Town School Board meets the third Wednesday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Wolcott Elementary School Library. Its next meeting is Wednesday, August 20. Contact wesboard@ossu.org.
The OSSU Board of Directors meets the first Tuesday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. in the OSSU Central Office in Hardwick. Its next meeting is September 2. Contact info@ossu.org.
The Stannard Town School Board meets the first Wednesday of the month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Stannard Town Hall. Its next meeting is September 3. Contact stnboard@ossu.org.
The Craftsbury Town School Board meets the second Wednesday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Commons Room at Craftsbury Academy. Its next meeting is September 10. Contact caboard@ossu.org
The Mountain View Union Elementary School District Board meets the second Thursday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m., alternating among its three campuses. Its next meeting is September 11. Contact mountainviewboard@ossu.org.
The Hazen Union School Board meets the third Tuesday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Hazen Union School Library. Its next meeting is September 16. Contact husboard@ossu.org.
This commentary is by Laura Cannon, of Hardwick. Laura is a parent of two preschoolers, a speech-language pathologist and a member of the Rural School Community Alliance.
