Advocacy on Capitol Hill:
What’s “Stimulating” in D.C.?
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Representatives from the Vermont School Boards Association, in concert with board members and state school boards association staff marched on Capitol Hill on February 3, 2009. The event was part of a 50 state Federal Relations Network training hosted by the National School Boards Association. VSBA directors Peter Herman of the Thetford Academy board, Kalee Roberts of the Hyde Park/Lamoille Union boards, and I participated in the training and advocacy visit with Senators Leahy and Sanders, and Representative Welch’s office staff. The following are some of the briefing notes we shared with our congressional delegation outlining the education priorities most important for Vermont’s public schools.
Vermont schools are
recognized for their high quality education:
• Education Week – 4th nationally in achievement.
• National Assessment of Education Progress – Top 5 in the country.
Federal Stimulus Package Priorities for Vermont:
• Governor is prioritizing early and higher education, so maintain focus on PK-12 education.
• Fully fund IDEA at 40% promised level in 1975.
• Fully fund NCLB ($70 Billion short).
• Stimulus should not be a substitute for ongoing authorization and appropriation.
• Advocate for NCLB growth model.
• Provide opportunity for Education Secretary Duncan to analyze NCLB outcomes, review research, and provide new leadership.
• Extend the moratorium on cuts for school-based Medicaid administrative services.
• Keep in funds for school construction, particularly because of the state’s moratorium on construction aid.