The future of Vermont’s education system again hangs in the balance as lawmakers return to Montpelier this week to reconsider a sweeping law that would change how the state funds and governs public schools.

Six months ago, Republican Gov. Phil Scott and Democratic leaders in the House and Senate stood together at a bill-signing ceremony in Montpelier to celebrate the passage of Act 73. The landmark law launched a multi-year plan to consolidate Vermont’s 119 school districts into five regional governance hubs and ultimately shift control over school spending from local boards to the state.

“While this session was long and difficult and uncomfortable for some, we were able to come together and chart a path towards a system that better serves our kids and one that taxpayers can afford,” Scott said in July.

But that path may no longer be politically viable in 2026.

The critical first phase of Act 73 — mandatory school district mergers — has ignited fierce opposition in communities across Vermont. That resistance got amplified last month when a task force appointed by the Legislature to draw new district maps rejected the premise of forced consolidation altogether.

In its final report, the group cited “strong concerns about student wellbeing, loss of local control, transportation burdens, rural equity, and a process perceived as rushed or unclear.”

Cornwall Rep. Peter Conlon, the Democratic chair of the House Education Committee, said lawmakers now have to confront the possibility that Act 73 no longer has the political support needed to move forward as originally envisioned.

“Whether state-imposed larger districts would pass the General Assembly I’d say is questionable,” Conlon said. “To be very honest, we’re still wrestling with the question of what the best way forward is.”

A new plan to rein in school spending

The seeds of Act 73 were planted on Nov. 5, 2024, when Vermont voters punished House and Senate Democrats at the ballot box following an average 14% property tax increase driven by education spending.

Republicans made historic gains in both chambers, shifting the balance of power and forcing Democratic leaders to negotiate an education reform compromise with Scott, despite significant resistance within their ranks.

Senate President Pro Tem Phil Baruth said he remains hopeful lawmakers can still move forward with district consolidation. But the Chittenden County Democrat acknowledged that the task force’s refusal to produce new maps has delayed implementation by at least six months to a year.

That delay also pushes back the rollout of Act 73’s centerpiece: a new “foundation formula” that would give the state the authority to set per-pupil spending levels for every public school in Vermont. Lawmakers view the formula as the primary mechanism for curbing education spending, which has increased by $850 million over the past decade.

With property taxes projected to rise another 12% on average this year, Baruth said taxpayers can’t afford to wait. He plans to introduce legislation this week that would impose hard caps on school budget increases ahead of Town Meeting votes in March.

“Now that we have this delay, I think it’s very hard to say that anything is going to produce savings within the next three or four years,” Baruth said. “So I started thinking about, ‘How could we reduce the rate of growth in the education system quickly?’”

Baruth said he has not yet settled on a specific allowable growth rate. He said the growth caps would be in effect for the next two fiscal years.

The proposal has drawn swift pushback from school officials. Sue Ceglowski, executive director of the Vermont School Boards Association, said budget increases are largely driven by rising health insurance costs that boards can’t control.

Imposing hard caps, she warned, would force districts to cut core student services. And she said the proposal comes as school boards put the finishing touches on spending plans they’ve been carefully crafting for months.

“Imposing hard caps on those same school budgets would inject chaos and confusion into the budget process, possibly postponing budget votes until later in the spring,” Ceglowski said.

House Speaker Jill Krowinski echoed those concerns. While she acknowledged the need to address what she called “unsustainable” property tax increases, the Burlington Democrat warned against a last-minute mandate.

“I am concerned that a last-minute pivot to new (a) school budget construct will upend communities and lead to rash decisions that will have a negative impact on our Vermont kids,” Krowinski said in a written statement.

Redistricting or bust?

It’s now up to the Legislature’s education committees to redraw school district maps, though neither has a clear plan for how to proceed.

“The task force, whether you agree with them, don’t agree with them … it set the process back,” said Bennington County Sen. Seth Bongartz, the Democratic chair of the Senate Education Committee. “And so we’re going to have to regroup and figure out the path forward.”

Bongartz said he remains supportive of redistricting but warned lawmakers not to let opposition derail broader funding reforms.

“The funding formula that we have right now is not working, is not going to work, and is putting Vermonters in a position where they can’t afford to pay their bills, so we must fix the funding formula,” he said.

The governor, however, insists that no aspect of Act 73 can fall into place until and unless the Legislature votes to approve new district maps.

Jason Maulucci, the governor’s director of policy development, said the foundation formula depends on economies of scale that only larger governance structures can provide. Act 73 also envisions major reforms to special education, pre-kindergarten, and career and technical education, all of which, he said, require larger administrative units.

“We don’t see a scenario where the foundation formula that we established last year would work well at all with 119 districts of significantly different sizes,” Maulucci said. “They need the protection of scale in order to make the best budget decisions given the funding that will be provided them.”

A different path

Jericho Rep. Edye Graning, the Democratic co-chair of the School District Redistricting Task Force, was one of several lawmakers who drew the governor’s ire for failing to deliver new district maps.

She said lawmakers’ response to the group’s work has been far more positive.

“We have had more often than not an incredibly positive response to what we did, which feels much better than some of the other responses we got from the administration,” Graning said.

Instead of forced mergers, the task force recommended voluntary consolidation and the creation of “Cooperative Education Service Areas,” which would allow districts to share services such as special education, transportation, and IT.

Graning said the task force heard from thousands of Vermonters and received a clear message.

“Don’t try to jam through massive redistricting without public input and without creating trusted bonds within our communities,” she said. “It was almost a unanimous voice across the state saying, ‘Please do not close our schools, but also we know that there is some reform that is needed, but please do so slowly and deliberately and thoughtfully.’”

Stationery

GUS & RUBY

At Gus & Ruby, stationery isn’t just paper—it’s personality, pressed and printed to perfection. Beloved for their inventive designs, hand-rendered illustrations, and luxurious letterpress, this New England favorite crafts suites that tell your story from the very first envelope. Founders and longtime friends Samantha Finigan and Whitney Swaffield lead their team to infuse every project with warmth, wit, and impeccable taste, making each invitation a true keepsake. gusandruby.com.

Photographer

CITYLUX STUDIOS

CityLux Studios captures weddings with the cinematic flair of a Vogue spread and the heart of a love story. Known for luminous tones, modern composition, and effortlessly emotive moments, this Boston-based team turns real life into high art. Married couple and founders Sarah and Peter blend editorial precision with genuine connection to create luminous imagery that feels as timeless as the love it celebrates. citylux.studio.

Videographer

STOPGOLOVE

Founded by filmmakers Jared Haskell and Jason McCutchen, StopGoLove turns real moments into modern, cinematic stories. Their style is clean, intentional, and emotionally honest—beautiful composition, smart pacing, and an instinct for the in-between beats that make a film feel alive. The result is wedding cinema with editorial polish and zero pretense: story first, style built in. stopgolove.com.

Floral Studio

ORLY KHON

Orly Khon doesn’t just arrange flowers; she composes living art. Known for her moody, romantic designs that balance wildness with refinement, Khon approaches each event like a painter at her canvas, blending texture, color, and movement into unforgettable floral moments. Whether it’s a delicate tablescape or a lush, architectural ceremony design, her work feels both timeless and a touch rebellious—much like the modern couples she designs for. orlykhon.com.

Best Catering, Max Ultimate Food / Photo by Person Killian Photography

Catering

MAX ULTIMATE FOOD

Turning culinary imagination into edible art, this Boston-based team delivers restaurant-level dining with the precision of a luxury event planner. Creative tasting menus, impeccable service, and presentation that’s anything but predictable make every celebration unforgettable. From passed hors d’oeuvres to late-night bites, every detail is, well, ultimate. maxultimatefood.com.

Best Cakes, Lizzie’s Bakery / Photo by Lushi Song

Cakes

LIZZIE’S BAKERY

Whimsical yet sophisticated, these confections are as delicious as they are striking—think handpainted details, sculptural sugar florals, and modern, clean-lined tiers. Behind the magic is Lizzie Johnson, a Food Network alum with a fine-art eye and a love of bold flavor, crafting designs that feel personal, polished, and picture perfect. Sweet beauty, inside and out. lizziesbakery.com.

Best Band, Hot Mess / Photo by Shannon Bialy Photography

Band

HOT MESS

No cookie-cutter wedding playlists here. This Boston-based band is known for turning every crowd into a dance-floor frenzy, thanks to powerhouse vocals, magnetic stage presence, and an uncanny ability to read the room. Whether it’s a soulful slow jam or a pop anthem that gets Grandma on her feet, they bring the perfect blend of polish and pure fun. Simply put: They don’t just play the party, they are the party. hotmessrocks.com.

DJ

C-ZONE ENTERTAINMENT

For couples who want a packed dance floor and a soundtrack that feels uniquely theirs, this Boston-based team delivers. With decades of experience, seamless mixing, and an intuitive sense for what the crowd craves, these DJs curate moments that move effortlessly from first dance to final encore. Sophisticated, high-energy, and always in tune with the couple’s style—this is music done right. czonemusic.com.

Photo Booth

ENTERTAINMENT SPECIALISTS

A photo booth should be as stylish as the celebration itself, and this team delivers just that. With sleek setups, creative backdrops, and instant share options, they turn snapshots into unforgettable keepsakes. Whether it’s a glam booth worthy of the red carpet or a playful setup packed with props, they make every moment memorable and a whole lot of fun. entertainmentspecialists.com.

Best Wedding Planner, Baciare Events / Photo by Constance Schiano

Wedding Planner

BACIARE EVENTS

Founders Ashley Saffer and Renée Sabo are masters of turning dream days into beautifully lived experiences. With a blend of creativity, calm precision, and genuine care, they craft weddings that feel effortless, elegant, and deeply personal. Whether it’s an intimate coastal gathering, a grand ballroom affair, or a celebration halfway across the world, their team ensures every detail is seamless. baciareevents.com.

Event Designer

TYGER EVENT DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Founded by principal Ty Kuppig, this design and production studio brings a couture sensibility to every celebration. With an architect’s eye and a storyteller’s instinct, Kuppig transforms venues into cinematic settings layered with texture, light, and mood. From sculptural floral moments to bold, modern palettes, each event feels elevated, expressive, and entirely one of a kind. tygerproductions.com.

Hairstylist

MONIKA RAMIZI, SALON MARIO RUSSO

Known for her “try-anything” attitude and calming presence, Monika Ramizi approaches bridal beauty with both artistry and ease. Whether it’s soft, romantic waves, a sleek modern updo, or something entirely unexpected, she tailors each look to the bride’s personality and vision. The result is hair that feels fresh, confident, and camera-ready from the first look to the final dance. mariorusso.com.

Makeup Artist

BEAUTY BY NELSE

For Nelse Karini, makeup is more than artistry; it’s empowerment. A self-taught talent with a passion for helping women look and feel their best, she’s known for her luminous, skin-first approach and ability to create a flawless finish that still feels like you. Brides love her mix of precision and personality—equal parts perfectionist and hype woman—and the confidence that comes with her chair-side magic. beautybynelse.com.

Bridal Boutique

L’ÉLITE BRIDAL

A destination for the fashion-forward bride, this Newbury Street institution curates an elite roster of global designers—from Oscar de la Renta and Monique Lhuillier to Berta and Ines Di Santo. With more than three decades of experience, the boutique’s expert stylists and in-house tailoring team deliver a couture-level experience that feels as personal as it is polished. Every gown is chosen for its artistry, craftsmanship, and that unforgettable moment when a bride sees herself and knows: This is the one. lelite.com.

Best Wedding Dress Designer, Candice Wu Couture / Photo by Reinhardt Kenneth

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Wedding Dress Designer

CANDICE WU COUTURE

With a couture sensibility and a flair for the unexpected, Candice Wu redefines modern bridal style. Her gowns balance romance and edge, featuring exquisite craftsmanship, sculptural silhouettes, and intricate detailing that make every look unforgettable. Whether ethereal and whimsical or sleek and daring, each design embodies her signature blend of elegance, confidence, and artistry. candicewucouture.com.

Best Engagement Rings, Boston Diamond Company / Photo courtesy of Boston Diamond Company

Engagement Rings

BOSTON DIAMOND COMPANY

Discerning brides and grooms turn to this Newbury Street jeweler for more than sparkle—they come for expertise. Owner Stephanie Binder and her team of certified gemologists offer a refreshingly educated approach to fine jewelry, guiding clients through every facet of diamond selection with honesty, precision, and an impeccable eye for design. Whether sourcing an exceptional natural stone or creating something from the boutique’s Pure Luxe Lab collection of lab-grown diamonds, each piece reflects the brand’s unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Because true luxury isn’t loud; it’s brilliantly, quietly flawless. bostondiamond.com.

Wedding Bands

LONG’S JEWELERS

For more than a century, Long’s Jewelers has been synonymous with craftsmanship, integrity, and enduring style. This fifthgeneration, family-owned jeweler bridges heritage and modernity with a collection of wedding bands that balance artistry and intention. Each piece is designed to feel as effortless as it is enduring—refined in form, rich in meaning, and unmistakably elevated. A modern icon of lasting love and impeccable taste. longsjewelers.com.

Rentals

DEZ COLLECTIVE

At Dez Collective, design lives in the details. This Boston-based studio curates a thoughtful collection of furniture, tabletop, and décor that elevates weddings from stylish to unforgettable. With a deeply honed instinct for atmosphere, the team creates layered environments that feel intentional, artful, and entirely now: the kind of spaces that photograph as beautifully as they feel. dezcollective.com.

Urban Venue

BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

A landmark of art and architecture, the Boston Public Library offers one of the city’s most breathtaking backdrops for a wedding. Beneath vaulted ceilings and along marble corridors, history and grandeur converge in a way that feels both timeless and distinctly Boston. Partnering exclusively with the Catered Affair, the venue hosts some of the city’s most luxurious celebrations, yet it’s also possible to exchange vows here in a one-hour ceremony that costs little more than a library card. Either way, the setting is unforgettable. bpl.org.

Historic Venue

THE GREAT HOUSE AT THE CRANE ESTATE

High above the Ipswich coast, the Great House at the Crane Estate feels like stepping into another era. Designed in 1928 by architect David Adler for industrialist Richard T. Crane Jr., the 59-room Stuart-style mansion crowns a 165-acre National Historic Landmark surrounded by salt marshes, barrier beaches, and sweeping ocean views. The property’s showstopper, the Grand Allée, a 2,060-foot lawn that stretches from the mansion to the water’s edge, offers a photo backdrop worthy of royalty. craneestateevents.com.

Best Coastal Venue, Wychmere Beach Club / Photo by Alex Paul

Coastal Venue

WYCHMERE BEACH CLUB

If it’s possible to have glamour on the beach, this is where it lives. In Harwich, Wychmere Beach Club merges Cape Cod’s oceanfront ease with a distinctly polished edge. Expansive water views, clean architectural lines, and light-filled spaces create a setting that feels both elevated and elemental: seaside sophistication, perfected. wychmerebeachclub.com.

Rustic Venue

THE BARN AT GIBBET HILL

If “rustic” makes you think of mason jars, think again. The Barn at Gibbet Hill redefines the genre with its soaring post-and-beam architecture, polished wood interiors, and panoramic views of rolling pastureland. Set on a working farm in Groton, the venue blends country character with refined hospitality: think firefly evenings, farm-to-table menus, and sunsets that wash the hills in gold. barnatgibbethill.com.

Best Ballroom Venue, Fairmont Copley Plaza / Courtesy photo

Ballroom Venue

FAIRMONT COPLEY PLAZA

In the heart of the Back Bay,  the Fairmont Copley Plaza is Boston’s grande dame—all gilded ceilings, marble columns, and chandeliers that seem to glow from another century. A Beaux Arts masterpiece with unmistakable presence, it brings drama to the classic ballroom wedding. Yet behind the opulence is a pulse of modern sophistication: flawless service, effortless style, and a setting that never goes out of fashion. fairmont-copley-plaza.com.