MONTPELIER – It seems that throughout the statehouse, in every corner, hallway, and committee room, you can hear conversations about property taxes and education. From the men’s room to the cafeteria and the parking lot, lawmakers are musing on this vexing issue. In our communities, whether on social media pages or the aisles of the grocery store, people are sharing that they are totally maxed out and cannot afford higher property taxes.
Solutions to lower taxes are not easy to find. In 2024, Vermont had 50 schools with fewer than 100 students. We lack the scale to achieve easy savings. Some say close the small schools; others say mandate larger class sizes and reduce the number of teachers. Others claim, in a state of our size, with 51 school superintendents, there are too many, and administrative savings must be part of the solution.
Others say that we should alter our income tax structure and increase income taxes on those with incomes in excess of $500,000, and they want the 1% percent to help more with the cost in light of the, on average, $57,000 in annual tax reductions they received from Congress. Some are quick to say we have a spending problem and not to rely just on more money.
The law passed last year, known as Act 73, which is strongly supported by the governor, calls for fewer school districts, thus consolidating education to achieve savings and lower taxes. The belief is that consolidation of districts would lead to fewer schools and result in larger classrooms, resulting in fewer teachers. Many are skeptical that fewer school districts will reduce spending and could increase spending as lower-paid teachers would need wage increases to match those of the schools in the district that pay more. Throughout all the talk is downsizing.
A spirited discussion about who should decide whether a school should close is percolating. Should district boards have that authority, or should the townspeople decide? Some argue the locals will never vote to close their beloved schools; others say the consent of the governed should matter, as I do.
There are many complex and serious aspects to these issues. One thing is clear: doing nothing is not an option. I would greatly appreciate your insight and advice as we move forward on our efforts to make property taxes more affordable.
David Yacavone represents Lamoille-Washington, including Elmore, Morristown, Woodbury, Worcester and Stowe.
