HARDWICK – At 8:02 p.m., Wednesday, October 29 in the Jeudevine Library, Hazen Union Student Council President Sadie Gann discussed impacts of the state’s redistricting bill after a community meeting organized by Hardwick’s school district representatives. The bill would see a major shift in school administration, and many predict it would cause multiple closures, including, as some assume, Hazen Union.
As the bustle died down, Gann talked about what she thinks this bill would cause in Hardwick. “I think this will destroy the foundation on which Hardwick is built.” In more concrete terms, she said it would mean, “fewer families moving into Hardwick. Fewer people staying. If this passes, Hardwick will be deserted.”
During the meeting, Gann raised the question “Are students being asked about this?” State Representative Leanne Harple said the House Education Committee heard testimony from the Vermont State Youth Council.
“We had a whole afternoon dedicated to asking students. It’s a good idea, and it’s happening.” After the meeting, Gann responded to Harple’s comment, saying, “I feel like the answers about student voices were true, but I think it’s not enough. I think all students should have a permanent place to share their voice, though I don’t know what that would look like.”
“Honestly, I think showing up to things like these is so important” for students to stay informed and make their voices heard about school redistricting right now, said Gann.
Student Council Vice-President Daniel Pougnier, said, “I think the most important part to consider would be the shift in how kids are socialized. A change in how many kids grow up together will have a definite impact on the immediate culture. I wouldn’t want to label it as a good or bad thing, though.
“I also think that if this bill is passed, we may see a more drastic accumulation of districts, maybe eventually moving towards a completely assimilated system.”
Poungier said students don’t know as much about the redistricting process as they would like to. “I’d like to know more about why this bill is being proposed in the first place, what was wrong with the current system, and how this bill would fix them without introducing new problems.”
WillHelmsisaHazenUnionSchoolstudentinterningwithTheHardwickGazette.
