Education Reform Must Start Where Costs Are Growing

The following is from Cavendish resident Denise Hughes

As Vermont debates education reform under Act 73, communities face tough questions about school size, consolidation, and sustainability. These are conversations that demand honesty, transparency, and a clear understanding of what drives costs.

In the Two-Rivers Supervisory Union, recent budget data across multiple fiscal years tells a consistent story: school-level budgets have remained relatively constrained, while overall education costs have risen sharply. The primary driver is not classrooms or instructional programs, but central office and district-level costs that are not directly voted on by local communities.

From FY23 to FY26, GMUSD and LMHUSD budgets rose over 30%, while non-tax revenues fell 36%, widening the taxpayer gap. FY26 shows the sharpest budget hike and revenue drop.

At the school level, spending patterns are mixed but largely explainable, reflecting enrollment changes, special education needs, and staffing realities. Central Office costs dominate. In GMUSD, they equal half of school spending; in LMHUSD it’s 1.6 times school operating costs.

This disparity cannot be explained as simply inefficiency at the school level. It reflects how supervisory union costs are structured and allocated, particularly disadvantaging small two-district model within it that lack economies of scale. When viewed holistically, these allocation methods make our small districts appear “expensive” when, in fact, the underlying issue is structural – specifically at the Central Office level. In FY26, TRSU central office personnel costs, especially benefits, rose roughly 25%, far outpacing salaries growth. This unexplained trend raises questions about sustainability.

Act 73 is often framed as a mandate to close or merge schools. But focusing reform solely on school buildings risks missing the core objectives of the reform intent. Focusing on the closing of a school does not automatically reduce superintendent costs, business office expenses, special education coordination, compliance staffing, or governance overhead. Those costs tend to persist, being absorbed and redistributed across the districts and with possibly fewer students.

Concentrating on school closures won’t deliver savings, yet this is the Superintendent’s approach, consuming public meetings without clear outcomes. Without corresponding reductions in central administration, closures can increase per-pupil costs while eroding trust and destabilizing our communities.

True reform must begin where growth is occurring.

A “central office first” approach does not oppose Act 73, it strengthens it. Before recommending school closures or mergers, TRSU should be required to present a clear, time-bound plan showing how administrative staffing, benefits, and governance will scale proportionally with consolidation. The elected board members should be demanding this approach. If schools within TRSU are being asked to change, TRSU Central Office administration must change as well.

Reform should also distinguish compliance from leadership. Waiting for state-imposed solutions risk harsher outcomes and less local control. I cannot support the Superintendent’s “wait for the state.” School boards that act proactively, with transparency and intention, preserve more agency and public trust. Now is the time to be true leaders for our education community.

Equity matters. Cost allocation methods should be reviewed so smaller districts aren’t unfairly burdened by centralized costs beyond their control. Without this acknowledgment, the current approach of the Superintendent risks deepening divisions rather than resolving them.

This ask is not anti-reform. It is not anti-administration. And it certainly is not anti-education. This is a simple request for structural honesty: an approach in our district region where costs align with classrooms, where savings are real and verifiable, and where reform improves outcomes rather than displacing costs.

Vermonters want lasting reform that prioritizes students and quality, and so should we. For that reform to take hold, it must start upstream, where costs are growing, accountability is opaque, and public visibility is lowest. This is where real reform begins.

-Denise Reilly-Hughes

Cavendish resident

Former CTES School Board Member

Parent to 4 students

Cavendish Update 2/13/26: Town Clerk Write/Wkshp/Camps/News/Events

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS:  Facebook Blue Sky or Website

                Happy Valentine’s Day. Enjoy President’s Weekend

Looking for a local option on Valentine’s? DG Bodyworks in Proctorsville is holding a Disco Dance party at 7:30 pm.

2/13/26

1.    CHS Workshop: The Enslaved Revolutionary War Soldier

2.    Write in candidate for Town Clerk/Treasurer

3.    Summer camps Create Together at Fletcher Farm

4.    Cavendish Related News

5.    Events Calendar

1. THE ENSLAVED REVOLUTIONARY WAR SOLDIER: Estimates are that between 5,000-8,000 African Americans fought against the British, including Peter Tumbo and Prince Robinson, who settled in Cavendish following the war. However, far more (estimates of 20,000) were Loyalists. These numbers do not reflect the number of enslaved women and children who fled to British encampments in the hopes of freedom, nor those who used the chaotic time to escape to maroon communities, such as the Great Dismal Swamp on the border of Virginia and North Carolina.

On February 28 (Saturday), at 1 pm, the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS), in conjunction with the Cavendish Fletcher Community Library, 573 Main St., will hold a talk about the role of the enslaved peoples during the Revolutionary War period. This will include showing portions of Ken Burns’ American Revolution series as well as discussing Cavendish’s patriots- Tumbo and Robinson.

The talk will be held at the Cavendish Library in Proctorsville. This event is free and open to the public. It’s recommended for those 12 and up. In the event of inclement weather, a notice will be posted to the Cavendish VT Facebook page. For more information call 802-226-7807 or e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com

2. WRITE IN CANDIDATE FOR TOWN CLERK/TREASURER: Michael Murphy, who lives at 2202/2210 Main St. in Cavendish, is running as a write in candidate for Town Clerk/Treasurer. Michael notes, I discussed this opportunity at length with Diane and Rick, and have a good sense of what is involved. I have been interested in getting more engaged with this community, and serving the public in a role like this would certainly accelerate that! Michael’s background is in business and IT.

3. SUMMER CAMPS CREATE TOGETHER AT FLETCHER FARM: It may be snowing outside, but the warmer weather will be here before you know it. It’s a good time to consider if your kids would like to do one week or more of the eight week series being offered this summer. Note that there are discounts for Cavendish and Ludlow residents, siblings and multi week campers as well as scholarships.. Weeks are dedicated to Nature & Art in Harmony; Arts & Craft Exporation; Medieval, Magical & Mystical; 3D Backyard Sculptures; STEAM; Nurturing Nature; Superhero Training; and Sculpting with Clay. To learn more and to register go to Create Together Camp page.

4. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Respiratory Weekly Report: The health department’s Respiratory Illness Activity in Vermont reports Covid and flu in “low” concentrations in Ludlow waste water, for the week of 2/1/26-2/7/26. Statewide Covid and flu are both rated as “moderate.” Masks and hand sanitizer are available at the Cavendish Cares closet next to the Museum steps.

• CHS Winter Newsletter: The Cavendish Historical Society’s Winter newsletter is now on-line and includes upcoming activities as well as interesting articles on local history. It includes an excerpt from Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s book “Between Two Millstones” about what life was like for his sons attending local schools .

• BRGNS in need of donations: Black River Good Neighbor Services (BRGNS) thrift store is in need of household goods including kitchenware, counter appliances (blenders, coffee makers, can openers) and cookware.  Located at 37 Main St., donations can be dropped off at the store Monday-Saturday 10-4. FMI: 802-228-3663

• Pot Pelly Update: The Pot Belly Pub has been demolished, and the property owners, Okemo5 LLC, have obtained permits for a proposed building plan including a ground-floor restaurant and two upper stories with two apartments each. The property is now listed for sale, with the permitting already in place, giving the potential buyer the option to begin construction immediately. VT Journal

• Windsor Sheriff checks into VA Medical CenterPalmer free after not guilty plea to sexual misconduct charges: Chester Telegraph

5. EVENTS

FEBRUARY 14 (SATURDAY): Happy Valentine’s Day

FEBRUARY 15 (SUNDAY): Cavendish 3rd quarter taxes due. Note, you have until Monday Feb. 16 to make payments.

FEBRUARY 16 (MONDAY): President’s Day, Legal Holiday

FEBRUARY 28 (SATURDAY): CHS Workshop: In keeping with Black History Month, this workshop will include screening portions of Ken Burns’ American Revolution series on the role of black patriots,  the Ethiopian Army, and two Cavendish patriots-Peter Tumbo and Prince Robinson-who had been enslaved and made their way to Cavendish after the war. 1-2:30 pm at the Cavendish Library. Recommended for those 12 and up.

-       Town Meeting Day (Informational Meeting) 10 am at Cavendish Town Elementary School. All articles are now voted on by Australian Ballot.

MARCH (TUESDAY): VOTE on town and school budgets as well as elected Cavendish positions. Proctorsville Fire Dept., 10-7

MARCH 14 (SATURDAY): CHS Workshop- Celebrating Women’s History month, this workshop will discuss the role of women in the American Revolution and will include screening segments of the American Revolution series. This workshop will include a “taste of history,” where “Liberty Tea” will be served. 1:30 pm at the Cavendish Library. Recommended for 12 and up. This event is free and open to the public.

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 2/6/26: Warnings/Water/Candidates/News/Events

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS:  Facebook Blue Sky or Website

Due to computer issues, which were resolved with a new computer, there was no Cavendish Update for Jan. 30.  

SALT SHORTAGE: Cavendish is experiencing the same road salt shortage seen throughout New England. Nearing complete depletion, salting will be at a minimum. Please use caution and drive slowly. 

PLEASE CONSERVE WATER: Due to the demand on our water system and our inability to produce enough water to meet that demand we are asking for all residents to conserve water. Things you can do to help: Take shorter showers. Only run the dishwasher when full. Laundry water should match the load. Turn off water when brushing your teeth. Make sure there is no leaking toilet or dripping faucet
With our extra water production recently our filter media will need to be changed. This change will result in a temporary stop in production. To avoid complete depletion of our water we ask that all users extremely limit water usage. Once the media has been changed and we regain our reserved supply we will be able to lift this order. Please see item 4 FMI 802-226-7291.

SATURDAY WORKSHOP: Make an 18th century valentine 1:30 pm at the Cavendish Library. (See Events section below for more information). 

Ludlow Health Center Walk-In hours are only available 9-2 today.

Cold Weather Advisory in effect from Saturday 6 pm to Sunday 1 pm

2/6/26

1.    Warnings for Town, GMUSD and RVTC

2.    Slate of Candidates Running for Cavendish Elected Positions

3.    VT routes 103 & 131 Intersection Railroad Projects

4.    Town Water Update 1/30/26

5.    Cavendish Related News

6.    Events Calendar

1. WARNINGS FOR TOWN, GMUSD AND RVTC

Cavendish Town Meeting: The Warning for Town Meeting is available by clicking here. Town Meeting, which is an informational meeting, takes places on Saturday, February 28th at Cavendish Town Elementary School in Proctorsville at 10 am. Voting on all articles is by Australian Ballot on Tuesday, March 3, from 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Station.

 Articles 1-3 are similar to previous years-election of town officers (article 1); collection of taxes (article 2) and voting of the FY 2025-2026 Town Budget of $2,724,654 (article3). Additional articles are as follows:

Article 4: Shall the Cavendish voters adopt Subdivision Regulations

Article 5: Shall the Cavendish voters appropriate the sum of $2,500.00 to Okemo Valley Technical Rescue to support their operations.

Article 6: Shall the Cavendish voters appropriate the sum of $500 to. Vermont Red Cross to support their operations.

Article 7: Shall the Cavendish voters appropriate the sum of $3,000 to the Black River Senior Center to support their operations

Article 8: Shall the Cavendish voters appropriate the sum of $100 to the Vermont Center for Independent Living to support their operations.

Article 9: To discuss any other business deemed appropriate when met

GMUSD: The Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD) Annual School District Meeting will be held on Feb. 26h at 6 pm at Green Mountain Union High School. The Warning is available by clicking here

The Warning for the GMUSD voting, which will be done by Australian Ballot on March 3 (Tuesday) from 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Station, is available by clicking here. Article 1: Approval of the School Board to expend $19,341,997.00 with an estimated per pupil cost of $16,060.66, which is 9,98% higher than per pupil education spending for the current year.

River Valley Technical Center: The warning for the annual meeting and informational meeting, taking place on Feb. 26 (Thursday) at the RVTC Café Rum. B106 at the Howard Dean Education Center, Springfield at 7 pm is available by clicking here.

Article I: Shall the voters of the River Valley Technical Center School District approve the sum of three million, five hundred thirty-seven thousand, two hundred thirty-eight dollars ($3,537,238) to defray current expenses for the ensuing fiscal year to pay outstanding orders and obligations?

To be voted by Australian on March 3 (Tuesday) 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Station is the budget of $3,480,129.

2. SLATE OF CAVENDISH CANDIDATES FOR TOWN MEETING DAY: The following candidates are running for elected town positions. Voting is March 3 (Tuesday), 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Dept. Note that all candidates are running unopposed.

Moderator: Michael J Ripley

Select Board 1 year terms, select two Shannon Devereaux; David Norton

Select Board 3 year term, Robert Glidden

Grand Juror – Theresa McNamara

Town Clerk – One 3-year term – No candidate

Town Treasurer – One 3-year term – No candidate

Auditor –  No candidate

Auditor – No candidate

Auditor One – No candidate

Trustee of Public Funds – No candidate

Trustee of Public Funds — No candidate

Library Trustee — One  position 5 year term – No candidate

Green Mountain Unified School District Director – One  position 3-year term – Michael J. Ripley

Green Mountain Unified School District Director – One position 2 -year of an unexpired 3-year term – Donovan Nichols

In the event a town clerk and town treasurer are not elected on town meeting by write in ballots, the Select Board can appoint someone to these positions.

3. VT ROUTES 103 & 131 INTERSECTION RAILROAD PROJECT: This active project is for the replacement of the center pier on Bridge #132 on the Green Mountain Railroad. Work began in mid-January and will continue through the summer. The contractual completion date is October 23, 2026.

The contractor, ECI, has the following tentative schedule (subject to change):

• From mid-January to mid-April, work will include building the causeway, driving production piles, installing the cofferdams, installing shoring towers, constructing the pier footings, and constructing the piers.

• From mid-April to early July, work will include shoring the superstructure, constructing the new pier cap, lowering the superstructure back down onto the existing bearings on new pedestals, and removing the shoring towers

•  From July until August, the contractor plans to restore the site and mobilize out.

This work is expected to have little to no impact on Vermont Route 103. The majority of the access will be from Greven Road Extension via an easement. Rick Chambers, Town Manager Cavendish VT 802-226-7291

4. TOWN WATER UPDATE 1/30/26: The following is from Cavendish Town Manager Rick Chambers: I am reposting last week’s notice https://www.cavendishvt.com/news/town-water-update-1302026  as all the information still pertains to today. I know this is very frustrating and I do apologize and I wish there was some operational change that could have been made to resolve this quicker. We have an organization coming Monday to begin checking for subsurface leaks. This is something I feel is important to check for even though we have no indication a leak exists. It is possible, and it could be part of the demand we are seeing. If a leak is found, we will be able to replenish our reservoirs gradually while also meeting the daily usage. I have also begun contacting engineers to begin work on a long term solution.

5. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Respiratory Weekly Report: The health department’s Respiratory Illness Activity in Vermont reports Covid as “low” and flu “very low” concentrations in Ludlow waste water, for the week of 1/25/26-1/31/26. Statewide Covid and flu are rated as “high,” Masks and hand sanitizer are available at the Cavendish Cares closet next to the Museum steps.

• Proctorsville woman dies in snowmobile crash in Brighton: WCAX

• CHS February Briefs: The Cavendish Historical list of upcoming events and other activities is now available on line.

• State Suspends Windsor County Sheriff’s law enforcement credentials: Vermont Public

• Peru Fair ends but warm memories will live on: Chester Telegraph 

6. EVENTS

FEBRUARY 7 (SATURDAY): CHS free workshop: Write an 18th Century Valentine. The workshop will include: writing with a “quill pen,” examples of letters written for Valentine’s Day, folding the letter and sealing it with wax (letter locking). 1-2:30 at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St., Proctorsville. Recommended for those 12 and up. FMI 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

FEBRUARY 9 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm Cavendish Town Hall. Agenda will be posted

FEBRUARY 14 (SATURDAY): Happy Valentine’s Day

FEBRUARY 15 (SUNDAY): Cavendish 3rd quarter taxes due. Note, you have until Monday Feb. 16 to make payments.

FEBRUARY 16 (MONDAY): President’s Day, Legal Holiday

FEBRUARY 28 (SATURDAY): CHS Workshop: In keeping with Black History Month, this workshop will include screening portions of Ken Burns’ American Revolution series on the role of black patriots,  the Ethiopian Army, and two Cavendish patriots-Peter Tumbo and Prince Robinson-who had been enslaved and made their way to Cavendish after the war. 1-2:30 pm at the Cavendish Library. Recommended for those 12 and up.

-       Town Meeting Day (Informational Meeting) 10 am at Cavendish Town Elementary School. All articles are now voted on by Australian Ballot.

MARCH (TUESDAY): VOTE on town and school budgets as well as elected Cavendish positions. Proctorsville Fire Dept., 10-7

MARCH 14 (SATURDAY): CHS Workshop- Celebrating Women’s History month, this workshop will discuss the role of women in the American Revolution and will include screening segments of the American Revolution series. This workshop will include a “taste of history,” where “Liberty Tea” will be served.

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 1/23/26: Town Water/News/Events

LINKS TO CAVENDISH CONNECTS:  Facebook Blue Sky or Website

EXTREME COLD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY EVENING THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON.. The dangerously cold wind chills of 20 to 40 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures.

WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE MONDAY NIGHT: Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations 7 inches or more possible.

1/23/26

1.    Cavendish Water: Notice from Town Manager

2.    Cavendish Related News

3.    Events Calendar

1. TOWN WATER UPDATE 1/16/: Cavendish’s Town Manager, Rick Chambers, issued the following statement, As the discolored water in town continues, I want to give a quick update. Even though we have seen a small decrease in daily usage, our demand continues to be the same. This demand is caused by daily usage and the need for us to replenish our water reserve in our tanks. Our goal is to balance the act of filling our tanks fast enough without making the problem worse. When we have enough water capacity, we will strategically flush some lines which should help speed up the clearing process. We have no indication of unsafe conditions. Although unsightly, the water is safe and we continue to monitor and test. As the system recovers you may see days of clear water only to have the discoloration return the next day. Letting us know when your water clears will allow us to concentrate on areas still experiencing an issue.

A few things to note:

1.Conserving water will allow us to replenish our reserves faster. [The following devices can reduce the amount of water you use: Faucet aerators; low-flow showerheads; toilet leak detection (dye tablets for checking toilet leaks); showerhead shut off valves and hose nozzles. If you are looking to purchase new appliances that use water, such as washers and dishwasher, check the Efficiency VT Rebate website. ]

2. Avoid using any oxidizing agent like bleach as this will make the problem worse

3. As we work towards a long-term solution, installing a house wide filtration system may be something you would want to consider. Talk with neighbors or local plumbers about systems installed in town already. 

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

• Respiratory Weekly Report: The health department’s Respiratory Illness Activity in Vermont reports Covid as “moderate” and flu “very high” in concentrations in Ludlow waste water, for the week of 1/11/26-1/17/26. Statewide Covid is rated as “low” and flu “very high.” Masks and hand sanitizer are available at the Cavendish Cares closet next to the Museum steps.

• Matthew T. Birmingham 1948-2026: Known to many in Cavendish as their lawyer, or when he was working on his Cavendish farm, Matt died January 15, at Dartmouth Health in Lebanon, NH following complications from a serious illness. A celebration of Matt's life will be held at Ascutney Outdoor Center on May 31st from 1-3pm.

• 18-year-old shot by Ludlow police chief pleads not guilty to attempted murder:  VT Public

• Roz Klezos named practice director of Ludlow Health Center: Chester Telegraph 

• Gov. Scott pushes for ‘disciplined’ spending with $9.4 billion state budget proposal: Vermont Gov. Phil Scott proposed a $9.4 billion budget to state lawmakers on Tuesday that he called a “disciplined” spending plan in the face of waning support — and more cuts likely to come — from the federal government. Scott’s proposal, which lays out spending for a one-year period starting in July, is about 3% larger than the state budget he and the Legislature enacted last year. But he said his latest plan calls for fewer new initiatives, largely because the state no longer has Covid-19 pandemic-era federal relief funding available for new uses. VT Digger

3. EVENTS

JANUARY 26 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Budget meeting, 6: 30pm at the Cavendish Town Office. Agenda and Zoom information available at the Town Website

FEBRUARY 7 (SATURDAY): CHS free workshop: Write an 18th Century Valentine. The workshop will include: writing with a “quill pen,” examples of letters written for Valentine’s Day, folding the letter and sealing it with wax (letter locking). 1-2:30 at the Cavendish Library, 573 Main St., Proctorsville. Recommended for those 12 and up. FMI 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

FEBRUARY 14 (SATURDAY): Happy Valentine’s Day

FEBRUARY 15 (SUNDAY): Cavendish 3rd quarter taxes due. Note, you have until Monday Feb. 16 to make payments.

FEBRUARY 16 (MONDAY): President’s Day, Legal Holiday

FEBRUARY 28 (SATURDAY): CHS Workshop: In keeping with Black History Month, this workshop will include screening portions of Ken Burns’ American Revolution series on the role of black patriots,  the Ethiopian Army, and two Cavendish patriots-Peter Tumbo and Prince Robinson-who had been enslaved and made their way to Cavendish after the war. 1-2:30 pm at the Cavendish Library. Recommended for those 12 and up

MARCH 14 (SATURDAY): CHS Workshop- Celebrating Women’s History month, this workshop will discuss the role of women in the American Revolution and will include screening segments of the American Revolution series. This workshop will include a “taste of history,” where “Liberty Tea” will be served.

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS