Scott signs bill that changes how Vermont divvies up money for education

MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – Gov. Phil Scott has signed a invoice that might replace the state’s pupil weighting system that determines how schooling funding is distributed.

Proper now, the state spends a roughly equal amount of cash on each pupil in Vermont, no matter the place they go to highschool.

However a 2019 UVM examine confirmed economically deprived college students and English language learners must be funded at the next charge.

The invoice on the governor’s desk does that. Scott says he signed it and believes it’s first step, however he has questions.

“A few of my considerations within the future– and I’ll be placing a letter along with that– is simply the place is the cash coming from? Is it going to extend the price of schooling? It’s not as if we don’t spend sufficient within the state, $2 billion to teach 80,000 youngsters,” mentioned Scott, R-Vermont.

The invoice requires pupil weights to be up to date by 2025 with limits on how a lot property tax charges can enhance within the years that comply with.

In his letter to the Common Meeting, Scott notes that new spending capability doesn’t equal a greater consequence. He says the invoice dangers rising the price of the schooling system. He says we should enhance pupil outcomes whereas additionally guaranteeing Vermonters can afford it.

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