

The Superintendent's Scoop
Central Vermont Supervisory Union

February 21, 2025
Superintendent's Message
Dear CVSU Families,
As we head into winter break and with Town Meeting Day less than two weeks away, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the incredible partnership we share in educating your children. It takes a commitment from parents, employees, students, and the broader community to create an environment where all students can succeed. I appreciate your support and partnership.
We are fortunate to have such outstanding students! Every day, we see their enthusiasm for learning, their dedication to their studies, and their passion for extracurricular activities. Whether it's on the sports field, the stage, or in the classroom, our students are truly remarkable. They are growing into thoughtful, engaged members of our community, and we are privileged to be a part of their journey.
Our teachers and staff are the heart of our schools. They work tirelessly to create a nurturing and supportive learning environment where every child feels valued and inspired. They go above and beyond to provide enriching experiences and ensure that each student has the tools they need to succeed.
And to you, our parents and families – thank you! Your involvement is essential to our students' success. We appreciate your attendance at school events, your support at home, and your ongoing partnership with our educators. Your commitment to your children's education makes a real difference.
In preparing the FY26 budget, we have carefully balanced our commitment to educational excellence with the financial realities of our community. The proposed FY26 budget reflects our commitment to maintaining the high-quality education your children deserve, providing resources for innovative learning opportunities, and ensuring that our schools remain safe and welcoming places for all students.
I believe that a strong school district is built on the foundation of strong families, dedicated educators, and exceptional students. We are incredibly fortunate to have all three in our community.
I encourage you to vote in support of the school budget on Town Meeting Day. Our website contains detailed information about this year’s budget, and I encourage you to call me directly if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you for being a part of our amazing school community!
With gratitude, Matthew Fedders
Important School Dates Coming Up
Feb 24-March 4-Winter Vacation (No School)
March 4 -Town Meeting Day
March 12 -1pm Dismissal
March 14- Parent/Teacher Conferences
March 14-End of 2nd Trimester
April 9- 1pm Dismissal
April 21-25 Spring Vacation
Board Chair Connection
Echo Valley Community School District
Thank you, Echo Valley Families! Your support is Making a Difference!
Dear Echo Valley Families,
On behalf of the Echo Valley Community School District Board, I want to express our sincere appreciation for your incredible support of our school budget. Your vote is a powerful statement about the value you place on your children's education, and we are deeply grateful.
We want you to know that your support is directly translating into positive outcomes for your children. Here’s a look at some of the ways we’ve been working to enhance their learning experience:
Expanded Preschool: We're thrilled to offer a more robust preschool program with five-day, extended-day sessions, and convenient morning busing. This ensures our youngest learners have a strong start and makes life easier for busy families.
Strengthening Core Skills: We've invested in proven programs like "Simplify Writing" and "Flocabulary" to boost your children's writing and vocabulary skills, complementing our existing strong curriculum in math, social studies, reading, and science. We are also continuing to focus on social emotional learning with Character Strong.
Keeping You Informed: We're committed to open communication. You've likely seen our mailed and online newsletters, and we're excited to partner with the Times Argus to showcase the amazing things our students are doing.
Youth Sports Are Back! We heard your desire for youth sports, and through community fundraising, we've brought back soccer and basketball for our younger children. We are so happy to be able to provide these opportunities.
We know that responsible budgeting is crucial, and this year’s budget reflects that. It prioritizes:
Extra Support for Students: We're adding an academic interventionist/coach to give struggling learners the individualized attention they need to thrive.
Cost Efficiency: We've worked hard to streamline our SU assessment, reducing costs for our district.
Tax Stability: We've strategically used funds to maintain a stable tax rate, ensuring your investment in education remains manageable.
Your partnership is invaluable. We are committed to working together to provide the best possible education for every child in Echo Valley. Thank you for your continued trust and support.
With gratitude, Dominique LaFond-Copeland
Your Support Matters: Investing in Your Children at Paine Mountain Schools
Dear Paine Mountain Families,
On behalf of the Paine Mountain School District Board, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for your continued support of our school budget. Your commitment to our schools is a testament to the value you place on your children's education and the future of our community.
We're proud to share some of the ways your support has made a real difference this past year:
Full-Day Preschool Success: We've completed a successful first year of full-day preschool in Williamstown, building on Northfield's success. This means our youngest learners are getting a strong foundation for future success.
Enhanced Learning: We've invested in programs like "Simplify Writing" and "Flocabulary" to boost your children's writing and vocabulary, complementing our strong core curriculum in math, social studies, reading, and science, while also focusing on social emotional learning with Character Strong.
Staying Connected: We've worked hard to keep you informed through newsletters and local media, ensuring you're always up-to-date on what's happening in our schools.
Looking forward, we're committed to building on these successes with a budget that prioritizes your children's needs while being fiscally responsible:
More Support for Students: We're adding a school counselor at Northfield Middle High School to provide crucial guidance and support for your teenagers. We will also be adding interventionists at both elementary schools to provide focused help for students who need it.
Responsible Tax Rates: We've worked hard to keep tax rates as stable as possible. Williamstown's tax rate will remain unchanged, and Northfield's will see a modest 2% increase, which translates to just $0.04. This is a small increase that will have a large impact on our students.
Your investment in our schools is an investment in your children's future. We are truly grateful for your partnership and your belief in our mission to provide a high-quality education for every student in the Paine Mountain School District.
Thank you for being a vital part of our school community!
With gratitude, Jessica Van Deren
Budget Breakdown
Echo Valley Community SD Budget Snapshot
Echo Valley Community SD Total FY26 Budget: $7,363,338
Increase from Previous Year: $602,774 (+8.92%)
Projected FY26 Tax Rates:
Town of Orange: $1.29 (0%)
Town of Washington: $1.37 (0%)
Per Pupil Spending: $11,252
Increase in Per Pupil Spending: $785 (+7.4%)
In, addition, this budget accounts for:
- +6.25% negotiated wage/salaries
- +11.9% health benefit premiums
- Increased cost related to:
- High School Tuition & Enrollment
- Instructional Resources
- Summer Intervention services
- Facilities Maintenance
Paine Mountain SD Budget Snapshot
Paine Mountain SD Budget: $25,627,305
Increase from Previous Year: $2,903,073 (+12.78%)
Projected FY26 Tax Rates
Town of Northfield: $1.89 (+0.04)
Town of Williamstown: $1.59 (0.00)
FY26 Per-Pupil-Spending: $13,581
Increase in Per-Pupil-Spending: $1,831 15.6%
In addition, this budget accounts for:
- +6.25% negotiated wage/salaries
- +11.9% health benefits premiums
- Increased costs related to:
- CVSU Assessment
- Instructional Resources
- Summer Intervention services
- Facility Maintenance
Link to Echo Valley Community SD FY26 Budget Flyer
Link to Paine Mountain SD FY26 Budget Flyer
For more information on this year's school budget
Please visit our website Central Vermont Supervisory Union
Questions About Voting ?
Town Meeting Day-Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Are you registered to Vote?
Visit: mvp.vermont.gov
If you're not registered to vote yet, don't worry!
Here's how you can get in on the action:
Online: Save time and register at olvr.vermont.gov It's quick and convenient!
In Person: Town Clerk's Offices-
Orange Town Clerk's-802-479-2673
Washington Town Clerk's-802-833-2218
Northfield Town Clerk's-802-485-5421
Williamstown Town Clerk's-802-433-5455
Partnering for Success: Staying Connected
Follow us online: Stay up-to-date with all things Central Vermont Supervisory Union by following us on our Facebook Pages and check our websites regularly (cvsu.org).
Contact Us: Have questions or need more information? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (802) 433-5818 or stop by at 111b Brush Hill Road, Williamstown, VT 05679