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 the education governance model in Hawaii. The bill outlines several findings, including Vermont's low student-per-school district average compared to national figures, the significant decrease in public school enrollment over the years, and the complexities of the current education finance system. The Secretary of Education is tasked with considering the implications of such a transition, including the effects on educational opportunities, outcomes, and special education services, as well as the potential need for federal waivers.
The proposal mandates that the Secretary present a comprehensive report, including a timeline for the transition, to the House and Senate Committees on Education by January 15, 2026, with the goal of implementing the single statewide school district by fiscal year 2028. Additionally, the act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.