H.122 is a legislative proposal aimed at reforming the governance of school districts in Vermont by requiring the merger of existing districts into a maximum of 25 unified union school districts by July 1, 2030. The bill establishes the Commission on the Sustainable Realignment of Vermont School Districts to oversee this merger process and ensure adherence to educational quality standards. Key provisions include the introduction of minimum enrollment and class size requirements for schools, the authority for the State Board to reject proposals that would lead to geographic isolation of districts, and the repeal of the definition of "approved independent school." A new classification for "therapeutic schools" is also introduced to cater to students with individualized education programs.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws regarding independent schools, streamlining the approval process by eliminating certain requirements such as annual fire safety inspections and financial reporting obligations. It specifies that recognized independent schools must adopt policies to prevent harassment, hazing, and bullying, while also clarifying the responsibilities of school districts in funding education for students attending independent schools. The bill further modifies tuition payment processes, allowing districts to pay tuition only to "designated" schools and establishing that tuition agreements must offer identical terms to all sending districts. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with a mandate for the Office of Legislative Counsel to prepare a draft bill for technical amendments by January 15, 2026.

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