As a result of a grassroots effort initiated by residents of both Bethel and Royalton, we will be having another opportunity to vote on the school bond issue. The petitioners included parents and grandparents of current students but also young adults and senior citizens who have no direct connection to the schools. They simply want to do what they consider to be the right thing for our children, our schools and the future of our communities. The Board fully supports these efforts.

We think it’s safe to assume that no one wants to pay higher taxes. The school budget passed this year lowered Royalton’s school property rate by 5% and raised Bethel’s by 2%. This is well below the state average. We will continue to work to keep tax rates low. If passed, the bond will add about $50 over the course of the bond to the tax bill for a home appraised at $200,000. Those who qualify and apply for the homestead allowance would see less of an increase.

Some people have expressed concern about the State’s movement toward further consolidation of our schools and whether we will even have a high school in the future. White River Valley Supervisory Union has been the model of a successful consolidation resulting from Act 46. Our supervisory union went from four high schools to one. This year we have 80 students from 22 towns choosing to attend WRVHS and WRVMS as tuition students at a rate of approximately $20,000 per student. With our strong academics, athletics and arts we are confident we will continue to attract students who have school choice. Even if a new consolidation bill passes into law, building of a new, regional high school might be a consideration a decade from now.

Our children deserve a safe, healthy environment to excel in. Please don’t forget to vote on May 20.

Information about the bond vote can be found here.