POSITION STATEMENT
privatization of public schools
VISA takes no position on the affairs or actions of public school boards and school district voters.
From time to time voters in some school districts who are unhappy with local educational circumstances or prospects turn to a provision in Vermont law that allows a district to vote to close its public school(s). If adopted, this then gives full money-follows-the-student school choice to resident families. Additionally, some advocate subsequent re-purposing of their now-closed local school as an independent school, freed from the constraints perceived to have caused problems when the school was publicly operated.
VISA asserts that the Vermont traditions of local control are a source of community cohesiveness and strength, particularly in the state’s smaller communities. VISA holds that local decisions—particularly when made by vote of the entire local electorate—deserve very great respect when considering changes to local control. However, VISA itself takes no position on whether closing schools is in a community's interest.
From time to time voters in some school districts who are unhappy with local educational circumstances or prospects turn to a provision in Vermont law that allows a district to vote to close its public school(s). If adopted, this then gives full money-follows-the-student school choice to resident families. Additionally, some advocate subsequent re-purposing of their now-closed local school as an independent school, freed from the constraints perceived to have caused problems when the school was publicly operated.
VISA asserts that the Vermont traditions of local control are a source of community cohesiveness and strength, particularly in the state’s smaller communities. VISA holds that local decisions—particularly when made by vote of the entire local electorate—deserve very great respect when considering changes to local control. However, VISA itself takes no position on whether closing schools is in a community's interest.