Deb Nevil: What are your thoughts around funding education?

We need long-term vision to solve education funding problems. Locally, we get great results and our schools are the hub of our community. School boards and voters have been keeping cost increases to a minimum and actually reduced spending in 2009.  The $19Million in stimulus funds should be used for its intended purpose of avoiding teacher layoffs. I support the recommendations of the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) to create a new funding system which moves away from reliance on the property tax and increases cost containment. However, I will not support changes which weaken local control further and don't involve the community in spending decisions.