Here are some facts about the current school year to keep in mind as the plan for next year's budget develops.
-Budget: $48,909,437
-Students: 1808
-Students in Special Education: 23%
-Students in Poverty: 55%
-Average Class Size: 16.7
-Spending Rank in VT (#1 being the highest Spending): #99 out of 122
At our current spending rank, MVSD spends less per student than 80% of school districts and supervisory unions in Vermont.
MVSD is working hard to keep budget increases to a minimum next year. Every year the Governor's Office publishes an education tax estimate on December 1st. This year they are predicting a state average tax increase of just under 6%.
Fortunately for our community, the MVSD business office and school board are targeting well below the state average, to maintain our status as one of the lowest spending districts in the state. In response to the estimates, Governor Scott stated, "This increase could have been substantially more – and still could be – so I want to thank school administrators and school boards who have made difficult decisions because I know it’s not easy."
We appreciate the Governor's acknowledgement that, while some small increases can't be avoided, districts like MVSD can take pride in leading the state toward sustainable education spending.