As the School Board prepares for the 2026-27 school year, two major topics on its agenda are the next school budget and the possibility of school consolidation. There are now FAQs on the school budget and on consolidation (huusd.org/budget) of the School Board website under "Stay Informed"
The school budget FAQ focuses on the continuing crisis we face in funding K12 education in the Harwood district. Legislation passed this year (Act 170) forces cuts in the school budget, even as our healthcare, special ed, mental health, transportation and utility costs increase much faster than inflation. The Legislature's and Governor's actions reflect the conflict between providing a strong education for our students and rising property taxes. Unfortunately, in our view, Montpelier has adopted an "all sticks, no carrots" approach to this conflict by forcing budget cuts while not addressing ways to cap these cost drivers. We understand these are very difficult issues, but adopting the approach of "just cut the school budget" hurts our kids more than it helps taxpayers.
The budget crisis forces us to consider school consolidation within the district, and Act 170 mandates that we consider merging with other school districts. The consolidation FAQ covers the preliminary discussion of a subcommittee of the School Board. One proposal is to move the Crossett Brook Middle School students to Harwood, move the elementary school students at Brookside to Crossett Brook and close Brookside, and build a new elementary school somewhere in the Valley while closing the four current Valley elementary schools. This is a long, complicated process with pros and cons, and is by no means finalized. The School Board needs strong input from the community at every step of the way.
As for the finances, consolidation of schools in the district will have large upfront costs but has the potential to reinvent the district in a way that improves education and saves money.
You can always give public comment at school board and subcommittee meetings, either in person or via Zoom, and board members (https://huusd.org//board#board-members ) welcome email comments.
Ashley Woods
HUUSD School Board chair
Cindy Senning
HUUSD School Board vice chair
