Bill H.454 seeks to reform Vermont's education governance, quality, and finance systems by establishing five unified school districts, each governed by a school board and a central office. The bill introduces a new education financing model based on a foundation formula, starting with a base amount of $13,200 per student in fiscal year 2025, with additional funding contingent on student needs and district characteristics. It also mandates the Secretary of Education to set quality standards for instruction and operations, while repealing outdated regulations and redefining the roles of the State Board of Education and the Secretary to enhance accountability and governance.

Significant amendments include the replacement of "supervisory union" with "school district" in federal education contexts, the introduction of "School Choice Schools" for independent institutions serving grades 9-12, and the establishment of local school advisory committees for community input on budgeting. The bill also streamlines the process for forming new union school districts, including the transfer of property and financial responsibilities, while enhancing oversight of independent schools through new compliance requirements. Overall, the bill aims to improve educational quality and governance while ensuring equitable access to resources across Vermont's public education system.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 16-43, 16-212, 16-164, 16-165, 16-166, 16-241, 16-242, 16-563, 16-11, 16-821, 16-822, 16-824, 16-1071, 16-1121, 16-133, 32-5401, 32-5402, 32-5402b, 32-5404a(b)(1), 32-5404a, 32-5404a(b), 32-5405(g), 32-5405, 32-5410(g), 32-5410, 32-5400, 32-154, 11-1608, 32-3102(j), 32-3102, 32-3206(b), 32-3206