Vt. residents discourage change in Small School Grants program

(WCAX)
Published: May. 19, 2018 at 4:15 PM EDT
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Representatives from small schools across Vermont are discouraging a change to the state's Small School Grants program.

Vermont Public Radio reports that parents, board members and residents from Peacham, Marlboro, Dummerston, Barnard and Newport went before the Board of Education Wednesday to discuss how important the grants are for schools in small communities.

The Legislature has directed the state board to come up with new measurements to determine how the annual grants are awarded. The board has until June 30 to make a decision on new metrics. The board will continue to look at student-to-staff ratios, but may also consider driving distances and the proximity of the nearest school.

The grants can be as much as $100,000, which could cover the salary costs for an extra teacher or paraeducator.