RandolphCarter15 t1_irodaks wrote on October 9, 2022 at 8:07 PM

I understand the desire to keep a local school but someone has to pay for it, and it's not these towns. It's not clear why the rest of the state has to support this

doctornemo OP t1_iroklb1 wrote on October 9, 2022 at 8:56 PM

That is the agonizing question.
It ties directly into Vermont's population problem.

RandolphCarter15 t1_ironfm0 wrote on October 9, 2022 at 9:16 PM

I'm critical of keeping p these schools but I could see a case made for keeping them to attract newcomers. However that would also require more housing.

doctornemo OP t1_irook88 wrote on October 9, 2022 at 9:24 PM

It would. But Vermont has - for years - refused to take even the most elementary steps to reverse demographic decline.

Instead, the default idea is that Vermont is a charming retirement state, where old folks can live out their years in the company of small farmers. (Said farmers are often at the edge of collapse, but we won't talk about that)

RandolphCarter15 t1_iroqjr4 wrote on October 9, 2022 at 9:39 PM

I agree completely. It's very frustrating. And many simultaneously oppose increased school funding

doctornemo OP t1_irossdq wrote on October 9, 2022 at 9:55 PM

Alas, I've seen that from retiree communities across the US.

Not all of them, but enough. "I've paid my dues. Not gonna pay for someone else's kids."