LETTER: Harwood has Sen. Sanders to thank for federal funding reimbursement
We would like to sincerely thank Sen. Bernie Sanders and his staff for their help in getting the U.S. Department of Education to reimburse the Harwood Unified Union School District for the approximately $500,000 we were owed by the DoE.
Metal detector, anti-violence steps improve CVMC staff, patient safety
The following was submitted by Central Vermont Medical Center as an announcement and commentary on steps taken over the past year to improve staff and patient safety at the hospital.
LETTER: A new chapter for MakerSphere’s Woodshop and more
MakerSphere, Waterbury’s community nonprofit art and maker organization, is thrilled to share a major update about the future of our woodshop.
Op-Ed: SOS for Public Health in Vermont
We Vermonters pride ourselves on Vermont being one of the healthiest states in the country. In 2024, Vermont ranked second in the widely respected United Health Foundation’s rankings and in recent years, it has been among the top five.
LETTER: Calling all flood-response volunteers, past, present & future
The Natural Disaster Preparedness Committee would like to invite all past, present, and future flood preparedness/response volunteers to a pizza party and informational meeting on Wednesday, June 25, at Dac Rowe Park.
Reps. Torre & White: Legislative session summary
At 8:35 p.m. on Monday, June 16, the Vermont Legislature officially adjourned after passing H.454, the education transformation bill. Reps. Torre and White share a summary of legislative highlights from the session.
Rep. Wood: Ed reform moves ahead with much work still to do
The legislature passed H.454 – the education reform bill – and it is headed to the governor’s desk where he is expected to sign the bill.
Ed Reform Rap
They’ve done this before: Rushed out of the door. A bill few have read, with aspects unsaid.
Rep. Stevens on H.454: ‘A finished bill is never perfect, and is always a compromise.’
I’d like to share with constituents how I voted on H.454, why I voted the way I did, and how I got there.
LETTER: Have your used tennis balls to go to the dogs
I have started a Tennis Ball Drive. Gently used tennis balls would be appreciated to give the dogs of the Waterbury Unleashed Dog Park something to play with.
LETTER: Consider giving each school a unique focus
The Harwood Unified Union School District’s decision not to consolidate schools is disappointing to those of us who hoped to see more efficient use of resources and stronger academic opportunities for students.
Op-Ed: Missing the mark on education reform
If and when the governor and Legislature agree on something they call “transformational educational reform,” it’s unlikely to be what most people expected or wanted.
Education reform: Next steps
Our executive and legislative branches have failed during this biennium to come up with a workable education reform.
Don’t let Vermont Become Maryland: Stop bill H.454
I am deeply urging Vermonters to reject bill H.454. Vermont could make the same mistakes Maryland did, which will change schools, making them less unique to the community.
Op-Ed: H.454 is another tax hike disguised as reform
Most Vermonters agree that our state is facing an affordability crisis, yet few suggest the solution is to raise taxes on low and middle-income Vermonters.
Vt. asylum advocates fast-track detention defense training after new ICE action
In response to a sudden spike in immigration enforcement activity, the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project has launched a rapid-response legal orientation and screening initiative for individuals detained by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Vt. correctional facilities.
Zuckerman: Governor: 1; Legislature: 0
Once again, the Vermont Legislature has failed to stand up for Vermont’s education system and has failed to defend our rural schools.
LETTER: Vermonters want better wildlife protections
It’s clear that Vermonters want stronger protections for wildlife, so why do privileged special interest groups seem to have the governor’s ear?
Response to Rep. Conlon: Vermonters deserve vision, not austerity
What Vermont needs is investment, not abandonment. We need a virtuous cycle of growth: strong schools, vibrant communities, and policies that support working families.
To the Harwood board: Take school closures off the table
Please don’t head into your summer break with closure and consolidation plans still on the table. Conduct your building studies. Model renovation and innovation costs. But don’t leave these other options hanging over our heads.