White River Valley Supervisory Union Withdraws from Vermont School Boards Association Amid Education Reform Debate
The White River Valley Supervisory Union (WRVSU) has officially withdrawn its membership from the Vermont School Boards Association (VSBA), reflecting significant divisions in Vermont’s educational landscape. The move comes at a time when state lawmakers are negotiating legislation aimed at major reforms in public education.
Kathy Galluzzo, chair of the WRVSU Board, stated that the decision was driven by dissatisfaction with the VSBA’s lobbying efforts, particularly concerning legislation that could dissolve supervisory unions and lead to longer student commutes. Board member Bill Edgerton criticized the VSBA’s support for such changes, asserting, "They don’t believe in us, so they can’t lobby for us.”
The supervisory union, which encompasses six school districts serving ten towns in central Vermont, paid approximately $10,000 annually in dues to the VSBA. However, board members expressed concern that the association’s advocacy contrasted sharply with the needs of their communities and students.
In a statement, WRVSU board members argued that the VSBA supported legislation that compromises local governance and fails to consider community input in decisions regarding rural schools. They highlighted the importance of maintaining supervisory unions as vital structures that provide democratic representation and local control.
In response, the WRVSU plans to redirect funds previously allocated to the VSBA towards the Rural Schools Community Alliance, a newer organization committed to supporting rural educational needs.
While the WRVSU is the first to sever ties with the VSBA, other supervisory unions are reportedly considering similar actions. The ongoing debate over education reform in Vermont continues to prompt discussions about the future of school governance, raising questions about the balance between regional control and the effectiveness of existing structures in meeting diverse educational needs.
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