H.148, introduced by Representative Rachelson of Burlington, aims to require the Secretary of Education to create a detailed proposal for transitioning Vermont to a single statewide school district, similar to Hawaii's education governance model. The bill outlines several findings that highlight Vermont's current educational landscape, including the low student-per-school district average, the decrease in public school enrollment, and the complexities of the state's education finance system. It emphasizes the need for a more efficient approach to educational governance and funding, particularly in light of Vermont's declining student population and the challenges faced by local districts.

The Secretary of Education is tasked with developing this proposal by considering the implications of Hawaii's model on educational opportunities, outcomes, and budgets, as well as the provision of special education services. The bill mandates that a detailed proposal, including a timeline for implementation, be presented to the House and Senate Committees on Education by January 15, 2026, with the goal of transitioning to the new system by fiscal year 2028. Additionally, the act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.