The recent school consolidation bill promised to lower our taxes. Then it promised equal opportunity for all kids. It’s unclear how it will deliver on either of these promises, but one thing is sure. It could radically change culture in small town Vermont. This is a show about some of the long-term political and cultural effects of Act 46.

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THE SHOW: Click here to listen to the show.

THE OUTTAKES: For a more in-depth review, here is a rough edit of my full interview with Superintendent John Castle:

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Credits

Lincoln Petell is the chairman of the school board in Holland, Vermont

Susan Clark is a facilitator, educator, and the co-author of “Slow Democracy: Rediscovering Community, Bringing Decision Making Back Home.” She is also Town Moderator of Middlesex, Vermont.

John Castle is the superintendent of the North Country Supervisory Union.

Articles about Act 46

School Consolidation is Anti-Democratic: Eric Davis, December 17, 2015, VTDigger

If Vermont Were A School: Commentary by John Castle, April, 2015, VTDigger 

Deliberate Speed on Education Governance by Susan Clark, April, 2015, VTDigger

Design for a 21st Century School Governance System, by Margaret MacLean, May, 2014, VTDigger

Vermonters for Schools and Community advocate for local control of education, VTDigger, January 2015