It Doesn't Math: Addison Central (VT)

We look at a district where the annual budget seems to be in pretty good shape -- but where bigger issues around district consolidation, building closures, and state-level policy changes are stirring underfoot.

What consolidations/closures/mergers, you ask?

• In response to VT's Act 46, ACSD was initially formed only a decade ago.
• But there was a problem in the initial Articles of Agreement that formed the district: closure decisions would be left to the board alone.
• Ripton, one of the towns in the district, worried that the board would close their school, so they voted to withdraw from the district in 2021
• The state board and the legislature intervened, worried Ription couldn't operate independently, and Ripton rejoined the district in 2022 -- but amending the Articles of Agreement to require town votes, not just board votes, for future closures.
• And then the board did vote to close Ripton in 2025, and a town vote ratified it.
• ACSD's facility plan makes it sound as though other schools (Cornwall and/or Weybridge) might also close.

Why all this pressure?

2024 tax revolt opposing large property-tax hikes

Vermont Act 73, reforming school funding (explainer here)

Statewide consolidation pressure

VT suspended state aid for construction in 2007, creating a massive backlog.

As always, thanks to

• Carsie Blanton for the music
• Soumya Dhulekar for the artwork
• Gabbie Costanzo for the research help

Got a budget worth a closer look? Send us a district, a ballot question, or a board meeting and we’ll dig in.