Lamoille North District Update

Lamoille North Supervisory Union l April 18, 2025

Dear Lamoille North Families and Staff,

As we approach our final week-long break before the end of the year, I am writing today with important district updates, including celebrations, legislative news, and information about the upcoming end of the school year.

Our last student day of school for the 2024–2025 academic year, assuming no additional school closures, will be Thursday, June 19, 2025. This day will be a half-day for students. In the coming weeks, we will send out additional details about end-of-year celebrations, report cards, and summer resources.

As I am sure you are aware, Governor Scott has introduced legislation to significantly change our education system. His proposal recommends changes aimed at governance and how education is funded, among other things. The Governor has received several responses to his initial proposal, one of which is H. 454, which passed out of the House and moved on to the Senate for consideration last Friday. This Bill, H.454, presents a more thoughtful and measured approach to education reform. The Vermont School Boards Association writes:

It is important to note that H.454 is just one of many proposals before Vermont lawmakers. You can view a full list of current education-focused bills in detail on the State of Vermont’s Bill, Act & Resolution webpage. Click ‘Keyword Search’ and type in education to see an updated list.

I also want to highlight another important effort that supports the heart of our educational values in Lamoille North and in small communities across the state — the Rural Schools Community Alliance (RSCA).

At a Special Board Meeting this week, LNMUUSD voted to join this Alliance alongside others in Vermont as a way of highlighting the voices, values, and needs of rural schools. This collaboration does not replace our work and alignment with the Vermont School Boards Association and the Vermont Superintendents Association, but rather serves to enhance it. Together, we advocate for strong, local, and equitable public education systems that are deeply rooted in the communities they serve.

The RSCA is guided by a set of shared tenets that reflect the priorities of Vermont’s rural towns. RSCA articulates their five guiding principles as follows:

“1. Guiding Principle: Elementary Schools. Young children should be educated close to home. We support Vermont public schools of all sizes.

2. Guiding Principle: Middle and high school children may benefit from larger regional schools. Specific secondary programs in 7-12 and 9-12 settings, Regional Technical Centers, personalized learning, and community-based opportunities all play important roles in preparing students for their future.

3. Guiding Principle: Closing schools is not necessarily the fix for Vermont’s problems – and could create damaging new ones. Research shows no consistent correlation between cost and quality in relation to size, and closing schools frequently fails to produce the savings anticipated— after factoring in resulting increases in costs, such as transportation.

4. Guiding Principle: School Governance should be a partnership between districts and state. State standards and accountability are important.

5. Guiding Principle: Funding reform should center on equity and fairness, while strengthening Vermont communities. We need an education funding system that provides immediate tax relief to low- and middle-income Vermonters and distributes education funds equitably, high quality education across the state.”

Please read the RSCA full platform at this link.

These principles remind us that education is not a one-size-fits-all system. Rural schools are not simply smaller versions of larger districts — they are unique, vital, and deserving of thoughtful policy and support.

We are committed to advocating for our students, educators, and families with a strong rural voice. We look forward to working with our school board, community members, and statewide partners to ensure that our rural schools remain vibrant, inclusive, and excellent places to learn and grow.

As with any significant legislation, there will be ongoing dialogue and refinement with any Bill that is being introduced. We will continue to monitor the impact of these changes and advocate for what’s best for our students, families/communities, and educators.

This week, we are highlighting news from Johnson Elementary School! In collaboration with a local home-study group, students at JES worked with Ms. Magoon during Art class to paint plywood panels slated to cover and protect the windows of the Johnson Public Library for its momentous move from Railroad Street to School Street. They are also making a banner to welcome the library to the neighborhood that will hang on the fence in the playground facing the new library location. This project is a wonderful example of the collaboration and connection between the school and the community!

Additionally, JES received a CLiF Year of the Book grant for the 2025-2026 school year! Katie Foss, MTSS Coordinator, and Norah Connolly, JES Librarian, will co-coordinate this grant for several years, planning author visits and other special events. We will share a press release with more information in a future newsletter.

And finally, Dan Silver, Technology Coordinator for JES, writes about an exciting learning opportunity:

“As we look toward the future of education, we remain committed to giving our students every opportunity to thrive in a constantly evolving world. One powerful way we can do that is by embracing the kinds of cutting-edge technology that inspire curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning.

Today, I'm excited to share a unique opportunity for our district to take another step forward. We are launching a drive to purchase two Meta Quest 3 Virtual Reality (VR) headsets to support innovative learning experiences across our schools. These headsets will open doors to immersive educational content, allowing students to explore the solar system, walk through historical events, conduct virtual science experiments, and so much more. Together, we can provide our students with access to technology that supports academic achievement and inspires a lifelong love of learning.

Thank you for your continued support of our schools and our mission to educate, empower, and inspire every student.”

We are thrilled to share that Aaron Calvin, a dedicated parent in our district and a journalist at the News and Citizen, has been honored at the New England Better Newspaper Competition by being named the 2024 New England reporter of the year. This important accolade is awarded to someone who shows excellence in reporting. Aaron has consistently provided thoughtful and timely coverage of our schools playing an essential role in keeping our community informed. Please join us in congratulating Aaron on this well-deserved recognition.

Last but not least, we're including information about a fun event in the community, being held tomorrow, Saturday, April 19th, at the Lamoille Union/GMTCC campus (736 VT 15 W, Hyde Park, VT 05655)! Lamoille North is always proud to partner with our communities to host opportunities like this. Community member, Carri Ferrari writes:

“We can't wait to see everyone tomorrow at 11 am at the LUMS/LUHS/GMTCC campus in Hyde Park!!! Please do not go to Old Mill Park. Please share with your family and friends, we have over 6,000 eggs filled with fun and surprises for you to collect!!! Bring a smile, energy, and your own basket.

The hunting fields will be in the upper fields. Please give yourself time to get to your field by 11:30 am. The first group (0-3 years) horn will sound at 11:30 am, 4-8 years will sound at approximately 11:40 am, and 9-100+ approximately 11:50. These times are approximate so arriving early will ensure you don't miss a thing."

Read more about this fun event here.

As always, we thank you for your continued partnership and engagement. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Very truly yours,

Catherine Gallagher, M.Ed.

Superintendent of Schools

Lamoille North Supervisory Union