Lola Duffort

For all the angst the topic of independent schools has generated, there has been little discussion about what the education reform legislation would actually do regarding the private schools that receive public money. But some of the new law’s provisions, which quietly came into effect last week, may surprise some of its critics.

Here are some highlights of what Vermont's politicians accomplished over the winter and spring, including major health care and education bills and a few others that may have flown under the radar.

The money, already greenlit by Congress, was expected to be released to schools Tuesday. But on Monday evening, the U.S. Department of Education told states the grants were under review.

The school submitted a lengthy rebuttal to the Council of Independent Schools last week.

Sens. Seth Bongartz and Scott Beck pushed back forcefully against claims that they improperly advocated for private schools during education reform negotiations at the Statehouse.

Even as education leaders cautiously celebrate the release of the pandemic aid, they are wringing their hands about yet another pot of money.

It could be the first time the State Board of Education votes to revoke a private therapeutic school's approved independent school status.

Legislative leaders sent a landmark, 155-page bill to Gov. Phil Scott's desk that would fundamentally upend how Vermont's schools are funded and governed. Here's a breakdown of some of the biggest changes the bill would make to the education system.

The phone-free movement has been fueled by one of the potent forces in American politics: parents.

The bill, which Gov. Phil Scott is expected to sign, would fundamentally change how the state pays for and governs its K-12 schools.