This commentary is by Kate McCann of Montpelier. She is a Democratic representing the Washington-4 district in the Vermont House of Representatives.
In recent years, we have faced unprecedented challenges. The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted learning, strained our schools and deepened the mental health crisis among our students. Yet through it all, I have witnessed the resilience of our educators, students and families. They have adapted, persevered and continued to show up — because public education is more than just a system. It is the heart of our communities.
Public education has long been a cornerstone of opportunity and growth, but the last few years have tested its foundations. Schools have had to navigate an evolving landscape of remote learning, staffing shortages and increasing student needs. The digital divide became more apparent than ever, leaving many students struggling to access the resources they need to succeed.
Teachers and administrators faced burnout as they worked tirelessly to keep students engaged while managing shifting safety protocols. And perhaps most concerning, the mental health crisis among students has only deepened, with anxiety, depression and social isolation becoming more prevalent.
Adding to these challenges are anticipated federal directives to dismantle the Department of Education. School boards and local governments are already setting their education budgets for the 2025-2026 school year, and proposed cuts create huge uncertainty for leaders who need to know what funds will be available to them as they work to plan ahead.
An inability to plan ahead creates a logistical nightmare for education leaders and policy leaders — who are left with many unanswered questions. Additionally, while these cuts are being marketed as “making government more efficient,” there is a lack of certainty.
This decision leaves local leaders and advocates stuck without answers — including school board members, teachers, administrators and parents — who now have to develop multiple scenario plans around how to continue providing for their students.
New England families rely on strong public schools. Any disruptions to the Department of Education will eliminate programs that are critical to student success in school and life. Many New England states already have their education budgets in motion for next year. Sudden changes at the Department of Education — especially for the students who need it the most — create unnecessary uncertainty for schools and families.
Cutting the Department of Education will have real-world impacts on families across New England. Title I funds for low-income districts, and special education support (IDEA) are all on the line. Without a clear plan, students and schools could face serious setbacks.
Rural and urban school districts alike could be impacted. From small-town schools in here in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine to large urban districts in Connecticut and Massachusetts, every community will have to figure out how to fill gaps in funding and oversight.
This isn’t a partisan issue — it’s about ensuring stability for our nation’s students, parents, and teachers. No matter their politics, families want certainty that their schools will be able to provide a high-quality education without disruption. News reports are clear — this plan is in motion, whether it comes today, tomorrow or next week. We need to be prepared to advocate for key protections that will ensure the strength of our school district.
Despite these challenges, our schools remain a beacon of hope. Educators have gone above and beyond, finding creative ways to engage students, whether in virtual or in-person settings. Parents and families have stepped up, becoming more involved in their children’s education than ever before. Students have shown remarkable adaptability, demonstrating that learning is not confined to a classroom — it is a lifelong process that can take many forms.
School districts have also implemented innovative solutions, from expanding mental health services to rethinking curriculum delivery. Communities have rallied behind their schools, advocating for better resources, funding and policies to support both students and teachers.
Moving forward, we must prioritize the well-being of students and educators alike. Investing in mental health resources, maintaining right sized classes and supporting teacher development should be at the forefront of educational policy. We must also address equity in education, ensuring that every child — regardless of ZIP code — has access to high-quality learning opportunities.
Public education is not just about academics; it is about preparing the next generation to be thoughtful, engaged citizens. As we navigate these uncertain times, we must reaffirm our commitment to strengthening our public schools, supporting our educators and uplifting our students.
The future of public education depends on all of us. Let’s continue to advocate, innovate and invest in a system that remains the foundation of our democracy and our communities.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Rep. Kate McCann: The state of public education.