Vermont


U.S.
Rank
#33
Overall PPI Score: 64.4%

Leadership

Your Governor:


Phil Scott (R) (50)
First Term Began in 2017 (Two-Year Term; No Term Limit). Re-Elected in 2025.

Other than Governor Scott recognizing National School Choice Week, the Green Mountain State isn’t as lush as it sounds. Because of a reticent legislature, Governor Scott sees little opportunity to expand education opportunities for parents, but given that spending almost $17,000 per pupil is exceeding what the state can afford, providing for more choices through a charter law or expanded voucher efforts may very well create more affordable options for parents.  With a budgetary crisis the Governor needs to move on from the status quo and embrace innovation and his budget woes will lessen.  Let’s hope he gets to the mountain top in this coming year.

STATE LEGISLATURE:


The legislature in Vermont is not pro-education reform. Currently, the state is one of only four that has yet to pass a charter school law. It will take real leadership from the Governor as well as vocal advocates to compel them to bring expanded educational opportunities to all families here.

Constitutional Issues

Vermont does not have a Blaine Amendment, but its constitution "contains a Compelled Support Clause that the Vermont Supreme Court has read to exclude parents who choose religious schools from participating in the current voucher program." (Institute for Justice)

Transparency

Vermont's Agency of Education homepage has multiple reports for families in various locations across the website, which might be confusing for families to navigate. Under “Data and Reporting,” viewers will find “Educational Performance” reports, which report on state and national assessment data, “Financial Reports,” which share information on tuition rates and school finance, and “School Reports,” which provide an overview of enrollment, student support services, and staffing, among other measures. Additionally, “School Snapshots,” which can be found on the main carousel at the top of the homepage, provide information on a school's academic proficiency, personalization, safety, etc., with indicators to measure a school’s performance. While the state is likely attempting to be thorough, these multiple reports could be streamlined and centralized to increase access and useability.

Under the "Families" heading, educational options such as home study, digital learning, and independent schools can be found, while additional opportunities like dual enrollment and career and technical education are located under the "Students" tab.

School Board elections in Vermont occur separately from the general election cycle, often resulting in reduced parental influence and a diminished ability to make their voices heard due to lower voter turnout.