Bill H.955 seeks to reform Vermont's education system by ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities for all students, while also emphasizing the importance of local input in shaping educational policies. The bill introduces significant changes to the terminology and structure of cooperative educational services, replacing "boards of cooperative education services" with "cooperative educational service areas" (CESAs). It outlines the responsibilities of CESAs, including the establishment of a board of directors, the appointment of an executive director, and the requirement for regular meetings and updates to supervisory union boards. The legislation also mandates the provision of essential services such as special education and administrative support, while establishing a grant program to assist with the start-up costs of CESAs.

Additionally, the bill addresses various aspects of educational funding and governance, including the establishment of a comprehensive funding structure for prekindergarten education, the introduction of regional assessment districts for property valuation, and amendments to property tax laws. It emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in financial operations, requiring annual reports and audits for CESAs and other educational entities. The bill also outlines a timeline for the establishment of study committees to explore the formation of unified union school districts, aiming to enhance collaboration among school districts and improve educational outcomes across Vermont. Overall, H.955 aims to create a more efficient, equitable, and responsive education system that meets the diverse needs of Vermont's students and communities.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 16-10, 16-261a, 16-1691a, 16-1931(20), 16-1931, 24-5051(10), 24-5051, 16-1981, 21-1722, 16-2101
As Passed By the House -- Official: 16-10, 16-261a, 16-1691a, 16-1931(20), 16-1931, 24-5051(10), 24-5051, 16-1981, 21-1722, 16-2101, 16-829, 16-4010(c), 16-4010, 16-828, 16-707, 16-4019), 16-11, 32-4041a, 32-5405, 32-131, 24-3616(d), 24-3616, 32-3613, 32-3757(c), 32-3757, 32-3758(d), 32-3758, 32-3760(a)(2), 32-3760, 32-3760(a), 32-3846(d), 32-3846, 32-4006, 32-5136(b), 32-5136, 32-5409(3)(B), 32-5409, 32-5409(3), 32-5410(j), 32-5410, 32-5412, 32-5402(c), 32-5402, 32-3411, 32-4152, 32-5401, 16-3440, 16-3442, 16-3443, 16-3445, 16-3454, 16-4011(a), 16-4011, 32-5401(22), 16-563, 32-5414
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 16-10, 16-261a, 16-1691a, 16-1931(20), 16-1931, 24-5051(10), 24-5051, 16-1981, 21-1722, 16-2101, 16-829, 16-4010(c), 16-4010, 16-828, 16-707, 16-4019), 16-11, 32-4041a, 32-5405, 32-131, 24-3616(d), 24-3616, 32-3613, 32-3757(c), 32-3757, 32-3758(d), 32-3758, 32-3760(a)(2), 32-3760, 32-3760(a), 32-3846(d), 32-3846, 32-4006, 32-5136(b), 32-5136, 32-5409(3)(B), 32-5409, 32-5409(3), 32-5410(j), 32-5410, 32-5412, 32-5402(c), 32-5402, 32-3411, 32-4152, 32-5401, 16-3440, 16-3442, 16-3443, 16-3445, 16-3454, 16-4011(a), 16-4011, 32-5401(22), 16-563, 32-5414