rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/letter/protect-vermont-public-education-legislative-outreach-day?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-letter-area-protect-vermont-public-education-legislative-outreach-day' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> Education Justice Coalition of Vermont https://actionnetwork.org/groups/vermont-coalition-for-ethnic-and-social-equity-in-schools https://can2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/letters/photos/000/375/997/normal/Protect_Vermonbt_Public_Education_(1).png If you are a Vermonter, you believe in freedom and unity, and know that local schools are the backbones of our communities. Although Governor Scott's and Secretary Saunder's plan seem to unify Vermont by consolidating all our schools into just 5 districts, it will shortchange our students, take away hundreds of public sector jobs, keep the tax burden on working Vermonter's, and protect the rich from paying their fair share. This new plan tramples on the freedom of our communities to have a vote and voice on how our local schools are run. We, VT school workers, students, parents and community members must reach out to our representatives to tell them how we feel about Scott and Saunder's plan to "transform" our education system. Scott and Saunder's plan: Jeopardizes families access to quality public education, and the livelihoods of those who work in our schools - bus drivers, cafeteria workers, facilities staff, para educators, and teachers alike. Will disrupt our student's progress in developing their social, emotional, and academic skills as we recover from COVID's impact. Will keep the tax burden on working and middle class Vermonters, while not making the wealthiest property owners pay their fair share. They pay a much smaller percentage than the majority of taxpayers. Why? We say no to Scott and Saunders, and yes to a plan that: Provides immediate tax relief to middle and working class Vermonters, by moving to an income based education funding system that makes the wealthiest Vermonters pay their share. Protects our most vulnerable students, and maintains hard working Vermonter's job stability. Maintains local, democratic control of our schools. https://actionnetwork.org/letters/protect-vermont-public-education-legislative-outreach-day