H.495 is a bill introduced by Representative Hooper of Randolph that aims to enhance the governance of school districts in Vermont through consolidation. The bill mandates that when drawing consolidated school district boundaries, existing regional configurations within the state must be taken into account. These configurations include counties, the Vermont Superintendents Association's superintendent regions, the Vermont School Boards Association's regions, designated agency regions, career and technical education service regions, planning commission regions, and transportation maintenance districts. The overarching goal is to promote the establishment of community schools, climate resiliency, targeted population growth, and workforce development, all while aligning with the State Emergency Management Plan. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the need for strategic coordination with Vermont State University in the consolidation process.

Furthermore, H.495 seeks to clarify the decision-making authority within school districts by defining which decisions will remain under local control at the district and community level and which will be elevated to a higher state level. This delineation aims to streamline governance and ensure that local needs are adequately addressed while maintaining a cohesive state-level framework for education.