[68vette]

Our school spending is one of the highest in the country. The spending per pupil is much higher than $5600(per the census bureau).
US Census Press Releases
If you look at the top spenders in education, they are states with much more wealth than Vermont. The $5600 would come out to what the state would pay(most states pay an average of 47%) out of the total($11,128). The remainder of the spending comes from the Fed and local sources. In other words we as tax payers are paying all or most of the bill. I feel I have the right to complain and to be "realistic" when the towns and the state make it very difficult to survive in this state. I chose to live in Vermont and would like to stay, but as every budget comes through I'm losing more and more of my income. If anyone thinks this is acceptable or just fine I would gladly pass on my tax bill to them. Any takers? Lets also think about the bigger problem. The state gives our kids a great education, but what do they get in return? Most leave to go to school in other states and settle out of state. With little economic opportunity in the state more tax dollars are not staying in Vermont.

[Alt Dach]

A story.A relative of mine was a Principle in a southern VT town. The town had a perfectly good middle school but it was in a downtown area.The school board had 6 members,one from local old money,1 from IN, 2 fromNY,1 from CA and 1 from NJ.
They thought the town should have a new $30 million middle school on the outskirts of town because there was no room to park at the old one to watch soccer games.
It went up for a vote and was voted down.They put it up for a vote 5 more times!
It finally passed the 5th time because the weather was bad and older people who
could'nt take the tax hike,including many retired teachers , just gave up.
Since it was completed middle school enrollment has dropped considerably, but the parking is great!