Education

This bill would allow all Vermont students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade to attend any public or approved independent school of their choice, regardless of where they live. It establishes a "School Choice Grant" funded by redirecting existing education funds that would have gone to the student's home school district to the chosen school. Schools must accept students unless they lack capacity (using lotteries for oversubscription), and cannot deny enrollment based on protected characteristics. The bill also requires a report by the Joint Fiscal Office by 2026 on integrating this program into Vermont's overall education funding system.

Vermont's S.143 expands the Advisory Council on Harassment, Hazing, and Bullying Prevention in Schools to include 15 members, adding student representatives from the Vermont Student Anti-Racism Network and Education Justice Coalition, disability rights advocates, and organizations focused on racial equity and domestic violence. The bill requires the Council to review and update model prevention policies every two years starting in 2025, develop resources on restorative practices and disability accommodations, and annually gather student and parent input. It mandates an annual report to the legislature with recommendations for policy improvements and resource needs. This directly affects schools, educators, and students by strengthening statewide prevention frameworks and response protocols.