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. The bill also allows for the designation of independent schools for students facing long travel times to public schools and eliminates the independent school approval process, repealing the definition of "approved independent school."

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws regarding independent schools, introducing new requirements for recognized independent schools, such as filing enrollment notices and maintaining attendance records. It establishes a Council of Independent Schools to advise the Secretary on related policies and mandates the adoption of harassment, hazing, and bullying prevention policies. Significant deletions from current law include the removal of specific eligibility criteria for approved independent schools and provisions related to tuition payments. The bill also modifies the tuition payment process, allowing school boards to enter into agreements with varying terms and clarifying that payments will be made to designated schools meeting transportation criteria. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with a draft bill for technical amendments due by January 15, 2026.

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