Bill S.214, introduced by Senator Ram Hinsdale, aims to enhance prekindergarten education access for students residing in geographically isolated school districts in Vermont. The bill amends 16 V.S.A. § 829 to allow these students to utilize state funds to attend prekindergarten programs in New Hampshire, provided they meet specific criteria. The Secretary of Education and the Commissioner for Children and Families are tasked with defining "geographically isolated school district" and establishing a process for enrollment in New Hampshire programs. Additionally, the bill modifies existing provisions regarding geographic limitations on tuition payments, allowing school boards to set boundaries for tuition payments while ensuring that students can still access education outside their designated regions if necessary.

Key provisions include the stipulation that a school district must pay tuition for 10 hours per week for 35 weeks to a prekindergarten program outside Vermont, contingent upon the program being approved in New Hampshire and located within 25 miles of the Vermont border. The bill also mandates that the State Board of Education and the Department for Children and Families initiate rulemaking to align prekindergarten education rules with the new provisions by January 1, 2027. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 16-829