Bill > S0273

This bill aims to modernize and clarify how school districts that do not operate their own elementary or high schools provide education for their students. It requires these districts to designate up to three eligible schools to serve as their public schools, which can include public schools within or outside of Vermont, or recognized independent schools that meet specific criteria, such as serving as a regional Career and Technical Education (CTE) center, being chartered by the Vermont General Assembly, or having qualified as a public school under older definitions. The bill also repeals the existing definition and approval process for "approved independent schools," replacing it with a streamlined process for "recognized independent schools" and introducing a new category for "therapeutic schools" which are recognized independent schools that serve students with specific educational needs. Conforming changes are made throughout Vermont statutes to reflect these updates, ensuring consistency in how schools are recognized and how tuition is handled. The bill also includes provisions for the transition of these changes, allowing students currently enrolled in certain independent schools to continue their education there and providing a timeframe for districts to comply with the new designation requirements.

Education

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.273