Dear Editor,
In her commentary, “Vermonters deserve affordability, but Gov. Scott has no ‘grand plan’,” Rep. Rebecca Holcombe repeats her claim that independent schools are one of the culprits in the huge deficit in financing education in Vermont.
This is a false premise for which she offers no proof. The approximately 3,500 students served by independent schools are not responsible for the out-of-control cost of education in Vermont.
It would appear that Rep. Holcombe is beating on independent schools to detract attention from the real cause of the education financial crisis, that we have failed to adjust to the decrease in students while at the same time increasing educational staff and the bureaucracy that supervises professional staff.
Many of the independent schools in Vermont are financially supported by contributions and donations. If it ain’t broke, leave it alone.
Michael A. Powers
Manchester Center
Michael Powers graduated from Burr & Burton Academy in 1960 and is now a trustee.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Michael A. Powers: Independent schools are not responsible for out-of-control education costs.