Education Plan

Strengthening K-12 Public Schools

Every child in Vermont deserves access to a quality public education. The state's education funding system aims to provide equitable resources across districts, but persistent challenges require ongoing attention. Class sizes, teacher compensation, curriculum quality, and facility maintenance all directly impact student outcomes.

Investing in public schools means prioritizing competitive teacher salaries to attract and retain talented educators, particularly in rural communities where recruitment is most difficult. It also means ensuring that students have access to modern learning materials, technology resources, and support services including counseling and special education.

Vermont's small school tradition reflects community values, but it also creates financial pressures. Finding the right balance between local control and shared resources is essential to maintaining quality while managing costs for taxpayers.

Higher Education Access

Making higher education affordable and accessible is essential for Vermont's economic future. The state university and college system provides pathways to degrees and credentials that prepare students for careers in growing fields including healthcare, technology, education, and skilled trades.

Reducing financial barriers through expanded scholarships, need-based aid, and work-study opportunities helps ensure that economic circumstances do not determine educational attainment. Dual enrollment programs that allow high school students to earn college credits provide a head start while reducing the overall cost of higher education.

Supporting the Vermont State Colleges System and the Community College of Vermont is particularly important for non-traditional students, working adults, and residents in rural areas who need flexible, affordable options close to home.

Career and Technical Education

Not every student follows a four-year college path, and Vermont's career and technical education centers provide essential training in fields with strong employment demand. Programs in construction, manufacturing, healthcare, automotive technology, and information technology prepare students for well-paying careers that support Vermont's economy.

Strengthening connections between technical education programs and local employers through apprenticeships, internships, and industry-guided curriculum ensures that graduates enter the workforce with relevant skills. Investing in modern equipment and facilities keeps these programs aligned with current workplace standards.

Early Childhood Education

The foundation for lifelong learning begins before kindergarten. Vermont has made progress in expanding access to pre-kindergarten programs, but availability, quality, and affordability remain uneven across the state. Families in rural areas face particular challenges finding reliable childcare and early education options.

Investing in early childhood education produces documented returns in student achievement, graduation rates, and long-term economic productivity. Supporting childcare providers, expanding training for early educators, and increasing family access to quality programs are investments that benefit children, parents, and communities.

Supporting Educators

Teachers are the foundation of Vermont's education system. Competitive compensation, professional development opportunities, and manageable workloads are essential to attracting and retaining effective educators. Vermont faces ongoing teacher shortages in specific subject areas and geographic regions that require targeted recruitment strategies.

Reducing administrative burdens, supporting mentorship programs for new teachers, and creating career advancement pathways within the profession help build a stable, experienced teaching workforce. Respecting educators as professionals and involving them in policy decisions strengthens both morale and educational outcomes.