Strong Schools, Strong Future

Our public schools are the bedrock of our Vermont communities and provide our children the opportunity to reach their potential and succeed in life. With the additional demands placed on our schools from addiction, mental illness, and poverty, great public schools in our communities are more important than ever in giving all children a fair shot at a bright future.

Education funding -- It's been nearly two decades since Vermont rethought how we fund our schools. It's time to find a new solution upholds our support for great public schools, with local accountability, and with all Vermonters contributing their fair share, including the wealthiest.

Universal Pre-K: A quality education is key to lifting people out of poverty. It begins with early childhood education. Universal Pre-K helps make child care more affordable, gets children better prepared for school, and increases the chances for all children to succeed in school and beyond.

Tech Centers: Not all of our students will go on to a 4-year college and not all jobs require a 4-year degree. Our tech centers, including the Hannaford Career Center here in Middlebury, play a critical role in providing educational and career opportunities for those not college bound. Investing in our tech centers allows students and adults to get the knowledge and skills they need through secondary and post-secondary training so they can enter the workforce and get a good job with a livable wage. Internships and apprenticeships are additional pathways to successful careers.

Addressing Child Trauma - We can take action now to prevent the stress and trauma in children's lives that too often leads to drug use and mental health issues.

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