Opinion: Harwood’s proposed school budget is too high
Our school board posted on Front Porch Forum that the proposed increase in the "per pupil" expense this year will be 4.8%. Actually, school board financial documents show that the overall school budget increase will be 5.4%. Why didn't the board just tell us that?
Op-Ed: Vermont’s child care future relies on early childhood educators
When early childhood educators are qualified, supported, and fairly compensated, children thrive, parents can work and build stability, and communities grow stronger.
OPINION: Harwood FY27 School Budget: A little context
The discussion begins on the proposed school budget, described in the budget warning (and a recent FPF post) as a per-pupil expenditure increase of 4.8%. I'll have more to say on the per-pupil cost in the future, but for now, let's just clarify that the actual school budget requested is a 5.44% increase.
LETTER: Waterbury Select Board Vice Chair Kane Sweeney shares resignation
Waterbury Select Board Vice Chair Kane Sweeney shares his board resignation news with the community. “I love this town and this community… I will continue to be very loud about working people and affordability.”
Op-Ed: Who will speak outside the language shelter?
Aware that clarity and honesty don’t guarantee popularity, real leaders focus on what they want to convey. They tell it like it is, formulating straightforward, declarative language that conveys their thoughts and plans for action.
LETTER: Sharing books to stay engaged, stay informed
I am heartbroken as I write this post. I hope that you have a strong friendship/family group to support you through this difficult time if you are as heartbroken as I am. We are slowly losing our fundamental rights as U.S. citizens.
A rare winter flicker of red and yellow
While many of our region’s colorful birds fly south for the cold months, resident woodpeckers offer a reliable contrast to this season’s monochrome palette.
OPINION: Vermont benefits when we strengthen our commitment to child care
Across political lines and communities, Vermonters agree: young families should be able to afford to live and work here. The good news is, our investments in child care are moving us toward this shared vision.
LETTER: Helping unhoused folks in Central Vermont
A month ago, there was a post on Front Porch Forum from Stefanie Pinard looking for specific items to help unhoused people in central Vermont. Kit Walker contacted me to see if we could organize a collection drive to help.
Sweeney: Housing proposal could pull vacancy rate back from the brink
Right now, there is quite a to-do over a proposed project at the site of the former Stanley and Wasson Halls at the state complex. The developer DEW Construction has proposed a project that seems large by Waterbury’s standards, but could very well pull the town’s housing vacancy rate back from the brink.
Sen. Sanders invites students to virtual town hall
As much as I’d like to, I simply cannot visit every school every year. So, on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m., I am going to be hosting a virtual student town hall, open to all Vermont high school students.
Op-Ed: Let’s build more housing together with union labor
Every day, tens of thousands of Vermonters head to work with the pride of knowing their union jobs support their families and their communities.
LETTER: Neighbors discuss democracy
We had a small group at our community meeting Thursday night, but had a great conversation!
Op-Ed: Supreme Court hears challenge to Fish & Wildlife’s compliance with new rules for hounding coyotes, trapping
Why should grassroots nonprofit organizations have to sue the Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife to make it comply with legislative mandates?
LETTER: Indivisible groups to hold MLK Day rally in Waitsfield
Indivisible Mad River Valley, Indivisible Calais, and Indivisible Montpelier will hold a Martin Luther King Day Call to Defend Democracy on Monday, Jan. 19, 11 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. in Waitsfield along the Mad River Green.
Rep. Wood: Assessing impacts from shifting federal policies
The 2026 session has started off at full tilt! In this report, I will concentrate on efforts to stay abreast of the ever-changing shifting sands at the federal level and what efforts we are making to address some of those issues.
LETTER: Harwood School Board chair invites Gov. Scott to board meeting
Harwood School Board Chair Ashley Woods invites Gov. Phil Scott to attend a school board meeting. ‘We would welcome the opportunity for you to hear directly from our community and to share your perspective on education affordability and policy.’
Op-Ed: On taxes and the Baby Boom legacy
Growing up, we Boomers (born 1945-1964) were steeped in the idealism of John Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and the minimalist hippie ethic. But Watergate, Vietnam, and assassinations would turn idealists into cynical, self-serving uber-consumers.
LETTER: Waterbury Rotary Club needs you!
Waterbury Rotary Club is behind many projects, efforts and events in the Waterbury-Duxbury-Moretown community and it’s seeking new members.
LETTER: Harwood proves schools can end seclusion and reduce restraint
Praise for Harwood Union Unified School District is overdue. For three years in a row, the district has reduced its use of physical restraints and eliminated seclusion, demonstrating that this progress is not temporary, but sustained.