Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

One of the greatest strengths of the four communities in this legislative district is the educational opportunities we make available to families.
This district's education system is unique within Vermont. The people of Arlington have opted for a stand-alone district, seeking to go their own way in maintaining their pre-k through 12 system. They see small size as a virtue. Manchester, Sunderland and Sandgate have high school choice. Neither Arlington's system or school choice is favored by the education establishment or a majority of legislators. Should Kathleen and I be elected, it will be our job to do everything we can to help our communities be successful with the paths they have chosen. I have long been an outspoken advocate for allowing communities to innovate and be different. The tendency is for the education establishment to favor a one-size-fits-all approach. That's not what we are about and it is not what's best for our children.
Quality Educational choices for parents are critical to the social and economic success of any region. Between Arlington's elementary and high school system, the Taconic and Green elementary system, Maple Street, the Sunderland Elementary School, Long Trail School and Burr and Burton Academy we have one of the best, most diverse, education systems in Vermont. Parents can choose between excellent opportunities for that which best fits the needs of their children. We need to market this diversity of options for the remarkable opportunity it is.
I care about a lot of things beyond that which I discuss in this post. And issues will emerge that I haven't yet considered. I will listen and learn both with this campaign and in the legislature. One of the wonderful things about Vermont is that we are not defined by our political differences. Both the state and our communities are too small for that. We all know each other personally and find qualities in people with whom we disagree. The same is still true in the Vermont legislature. Once you are there, working in committee or with the full body, people work together without regard to party. That will be more necessary than ever as we work our way forward in the wake of this pandemic. I would welcome the opportunity to be a part of the process.

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