The bill H.122 seeks to reform the governance of school districts in Vermont by requiring the consolidation of existing districts into a maximum of 25 unified union school districts by July 1, 2030. This restructuring aims to improve educational opportunities and operational efficiencies while adhering to the State's Education Quality Standards. Key provisions include the establishment of the Commission on the Sustainable Realignment of Vermont School Districts to oversee the merger process, as well as the introduction of minimum average daily membership and class size requirements for schools. Notably, the bill repeals the definition of "approved independent school" and eliminates the independent school approval process, streamlining the classification of independent schools.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws related to tuition payments for students in elementary and high schools. It removes provisions that mandated school districts to pay tuition for resident students attending certain schools and eliminates specific limitations on tuition payments to approved independent schools. New language allows for tuition agreements between sending and receiving districts, ensuring uniform terms for all sending districts. The bill also requires the Office of Legislative Counsel to draft technical amendments by January 15, 2026, to align statutory sections with the act's intent, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2025. Overall, H.122 aims to enhance the regulatory framework governing independent schools and streamline the tuition payment process.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 16-11, 16-166, 16-21