reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 9 - School Districts › § 494. Collector of taxes

§ 494. Collector of taxes
The district may elect the collector of town taxes to be collector of taxes for the district, although he or she is not an inhabitant of that district. When a collector accepts the office, he or she shall do so in writing, and the acceptance shall be recorded by the clerk. (Amended 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 54, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 9 - School Districts › § 495. Vacancies

§ 495. Vacancies
(a) When a vacancy occurs in the office of a district officer, the district shall fill the vacancy at a special meeting.
(b) A vacancy occurring in the office of clerk of an incorporated school district caused by death, resignation, or otherwise shall be filled by the prudential committee within ten days after such vacancy occurs.
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 9 - School Districts › § 496. Books and papers to be turned over to successor

§ 496. Books and papers to be turned over to successor
When a district office becomes vacant by expiration of the term of office of the incumbent or otherwise, and a successor is elected or appointed, the successor shall, on demand, be entitled to receive the books and papers of the office from the last incumbent or anyone having the books and papers in his or her possession. A person having books or papers in his or her possession who refuses for ten days, after demand, to surrender them to the successor shall be fined $10.00. (Amended 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 55, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 9 - School Districts › § 511. Budget

§ 511. Budget
(a) At a meeting legally warned for that purpose, the electorate within an incorporated school district shall vote such sums of money as it deems necessary for the support of schools. If the sums are not approved or acted upon at the annual meeting, the electorate shall vote the questions at a duly warned special school district meeting. A district may vote money necessary for the support of schools to the end of the full school year next ensuing.
(b) If the electorate of an incorporated school district votes for its budget by Australian ballot, it shall do so using ballot language jointly developed by the Secretary of Education and Secretary of State and adopted by the State Board by rule. (Amended 1981, No. 133 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. April 2, 1982; 1997, No. 60, § 27, eff. July 1, 1998; 1997, No. 71 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 2, 84, eff. March 11, 1998, § 72, eff. Jan. 1, 1999; 1999, No. 1, § 60d, eff. March 31, 1999; 1999, No. 152 (Adj. Sess.), § 166b; 2003, No. 36, § 4; 2003, No. 68, § 2; 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 56, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 9 - School Districts › § 512. Payment of monies collected to treasurer

§ 512. Payment of monies collected to treasurer
On the written request of one or more members of the prudential committee, a school district tax collector shall pay to the treasurer monies belonging to the district that have been collected to the date of the request and submit his or her tax book and list to the treasurer for inspection and computation. A tax collector who neglects to do so within ten days after receiving the request shall forfeit to the school district $100.00, to be recovered in an action on this statute, and the office of tax collector shall be vacant. (Amended 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 57, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 9 - School Districts › § 514. Abatement

§ 514. Abatement
The officers of the district, except the tax collector, shall be a board for the abatement of district taxes, and it shall have the same power that the board for the abatement of town taxes has in the abatement of municipal taxes. On request of the tax collector, the prudential committee shall call a meeting of the board in the month of February in each year, by posting a notice in three public places in the district at least five days before the meeting. (Amended 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 58, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 9 - School Districts › § 515. Payment of a deficit

§ 515. Payment of a deficit
When a demand is made upon a district for the payment of an execution issued against it and the district has no available funds to pay the same, the prudential committee shall borrow funds sufficient to pay such execution and related charges and shall add the debt to the following year’s adopted budget pursuant to 24 V.S.A. § 1523(b). (Amended 1997, No. 71 (Adj. Sess.), § 108, eff. March 11, 1998.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 9 - School Districts › § 551. Application of laws to school districts

§ 551. Application of laws to school districts
Unless otherwise specifically provided in statute with respect to a class of school district or in a municipal charter, the laws of this title, the laws pertaining to municipal corporations, and the rules of the State Board shall apply to all school districts. (Added 1969, No. 298 (Adj. Sess.), § 28; amended 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 59, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 9 - School Districts › § 552. Validation of school districts and bonds voted for school construction

§ 552. Validation of school districts and bonds voted for school construction
No action shall be brought directly or indirectly attacking, questioning, or in any manner contesting the legality of the formation, or the existence as a body corporate and politic of any union school district created pursuant to chapter 11 of this title after six months from the date of recording in the office of the Secretary of State the certificate of the Secretary of Education designating the district as required by section 706g of this title; nor shall any action be brought directly or indirectly attacking, questioning, or in any manner contesting the legality or validity of bonds, issued or unissued, voted by a school district after six months from the date upon which voters in the school district met pursuant to warning and voted affirmatively to issue bonds to defray the cost of school improvements. This section shall be liberally construed to effect the legislative purpose to validate and make certain the legal existence of all school districts in this state and the validity of bonds issued by school districts, and to bar every right to question the existence of a school district or the validity of a bond voted by it, in any manner, and to bar every remedy therefor notwithstanding any defects or irregularities, jurisdictional or otherwise, after the expiration of the six-month period. (Added 1969, No. 298 (Adj. Sess.), § 29; amended 1971, No. 46, eff. April 7, 1971; 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 60, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 9 - School Districts › § 553. Qualification of voters at school district meetings

§ 553. Qualification of voters at school district meetings
A person is qualified to vote at a school district meeting if by meeting day he or she would be eligible to vote at a town meeting held on that day. (Added 1969, No. 298 (Adj. Sess.), § 30; amended 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 61, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 9 - School Districts › § 554. School board meetings; majority vote, quorum, Robert’s Rules, public participation

§ 554. School board meetings; majority vote, quorum, Robert’s Rules, public participation
(a) A majority of the members of the board shall constitute a quorum. Notwithstanding 1 V.S.A. § 172, the concurrence of a majority of members present at a school board meeting shall be necessary and sufficient for board action.
(b) A school board meeting shall be conducted in accordance with the Vermont Open Meeting Law. Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the conduct of school board meetings. A school board shall afford a reasonable opportunity to any person in the school district to appear and express views in regard to any matter considered by the school board and, if requested to do so, shall give reasons for its action in writing. (Added 1969, No. 298 (Adj. Sess.), § 31; amended 1975, No. 48, § 5, eff. April 15, 1975; 1991, No. 181 (Adj. Sess.), § 13.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 9 - School Districts › § 555. No liability for unauthorized or deficit spending

§ 555. No liability for unauthorized or deficit spending
(a) It is the intent of the General Assembly that school boards should spend within the amount authorized by the electorate pursuant to this title and should not incur a deficit. However, the General Assembly recognizes that in the course of a school district budget year it may be necessary for expenditures to exceed revenues received or the amount authorized by the electorate.
(b) A school board member shall not be liable under any law, including any criminal law, on the sole basis that the board has spent more than authorized under this title or that a deficit, as defined in 24 V.S.A. § 1523, has occurred. (Added 1969, No. 298 (Adj. Sess.), § 32; amended 1995, No. 155 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 2001, No. 8, § 4; 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 62, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 9 - School Districts › § 556. Liability for damage to textbook or learning materials

§ 556. Liability for damage to textbook or learning materials
The parent or guardian of a student shall be liable to a school district for damage occasioned by loss, destruction, injury, or detention by the student of a textbook or other learning materials, to be recovered in an action on this statute in the name of the district. (Added 1969, No. 298 (Adj. Sess.), § 33; amended 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 63, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 9 - School Districts › § 557. Gratuity or compensation prohibited

§ 557. Gratuity or compensation prohibited
(a) A member of the State Board, a supervisory union board, or a school board, the Secretary, and any person employed by one of the boards or by the Agency shall not solicit or receive directly or indirectly any gift or compensation for recommending or voting on any finding, ruling, decision, or report, or voting to procure any service, thing, or supply purchased with public funds. A violation of this provision is subject to 13 V.S.A. § 1106(b).
(b) A member of the State Board, a supervisory union board or a school board, and any person employed by one of the boards shall not receive directly or indirectly anything of value, by contract or otherwise, from the school district or supervisory union he or she serves unless it is received:
(1) as a result of a contract accepted after a public bid in accordance with law;
(2) in public recognition of service or achievement;
(3) as regular salary or expenses allowed by law for official duties performed as a member of the board; or
(4) for employment according to the provisions of section 558 of this title.
(c) No school board member or supervisory union board member shall vote on any contract or purchase in which he or she has a direct or indirect interest.
(d) A person who violates subsection (b) or (c) of this section shall be fined not more than $1,000.00 and shall be incapable of holding elective or appointed office in this State for two years next ensuing. (Added 1969, No. 298 (Adj. Sess.), § 34; amended 1989, No. 188 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 64, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 9 - School Districts › § 558. Eligibility for election to a school board; employment of school board members

§ 558. Eligibility for election to a school board; employment of school board members
(a) A legal voter in a school district shall be eligible for election to a school board; however, a member of a school board may not be regularly employed by the school district or by a school district within the same supervisory union, or by the same supervisory union during the board member’s term of office.
(b) The Secretary may waive the provisions of this section for employment of a specific individual as a substitute teacher, coach, or supervisor of extracurricular activities for a period not to exceed one year, which may be renewed if the school district or supervisory union is unable to hire another qualified person through no fault of its own. (Added 1969, No. 298 (Adj. Sess.), § 35; amended 1989, No. 188 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 65, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 9 - School Districts › § 560. Condemnation for school purposes

§ 560. Condemnation for school purposes
A school board, or the board of trustees of a public school, may acquire land for school purposes by condemnation. Condemnation shall be accomplished by the procedures and be governed by the limitations established in 24 V.S.A. chapter 77, except that the school board, school district officers, or board of trustees, as the case may be, shall exercise the powers and have the responsibilities given the officers of municipalities in 24 V.S.A. chapter 79. (Added 1969, No. 298 (Adj. Sess.), § 37.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 9 - School Districts › § 561. Election of school board members; oath; chair; clerk

§ 561. Election of school board members; oath; chair; clerk
(a) School board members shall be sworn before entering upon the duties of their office. At the meeting next following the election of a school board member, the school board shall elect one of its number to serve as the chair and one other of its number to serve as the clerk. The clerk may be paid upon order of the school board. The clerk shall keep a permanent record of the proceedings of the school board. In the clerk’s absence, another member of the school board shall assume the clerk’s duties.
(b) At least annually, the chairs of each school board within a supervisory union, the chair of the supervisory union board, and the superintendent shall jointly participate in at least eight hours of professional training that, at a minimum, addresses:
(1) educational leadership;
(2) the relative roles and responsibilities of the supervisory union board, the school district boards, and the superintendent;
(3) the Vermont Open Meeting Law, 1 V.S.A. §§ 310-314;
(4) Vermont law regarding access to public records, 1 V.S.A. §§ 315-320;
(5) collective bargaining; and
(6) education funding and school finance laws. (Added 1969, No. 298 (Adj. Sess.), § 38; amended 2007, No. 66, § 4; 2013, No. 56, § 13, eff. May 30, 2013; 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 67, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 9 - School Districts › § 563a. Prevention, identification, and reporting of child sexual abuse and sexual violence

§ 563a. Prevention, identification, and reporting of child sexual abuse and sexual violence
Each school board of a school district and governing body of an approved or recognized independent school shall ensure that adults employed in the schools within its jurisdiction receive orientation, information, or instruction on the prevention, identification, and reporting of child sexual abuse, as defined in 33 V.S.A. § 4912(8), and sexual violence. This shall include information regarding the signs and symptoms of sexual abuse, sexual violence, grooming processes, recognizing the dangers of child sexual abuse in and close to the home, and other predatory behaviors of sex offenders. The school board or governing body shall also provide opportunities for parents, guardians, and other interested persons to receive the same information. The Agencies of Education and of Human Services shall provide materials and technical support to any school board or governing body that requests assistance in implementing this section. (Added 2009, No. 1, § 9, eff. July 1, 2011; amended 2011, No. 156 (Adj. Sess.), § 27, eff. May 16, 2012; 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 70, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 9 - School Districts › § 566. Authority to borrow

§ 566. Authority to borrow
Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision 562(9) of this title, if a budget for the support of schools for the ensuing year has not been approved on or before June 30 of any year, the school board may borrow funds necessary to enable it to operate the schools on a budget of up to 87 percent of the most recently approved school budget. If the school board borrows money under this section, it shall determine how all funds shall be expended. (Added 1995, No. 32, § 1; amended 2001, No. 8, § 7.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 9 - School Districts › § 567. Surplus

§ 567. Surplus
If an audit reveals that a school district has surplus funds, the school board shall carry the funds into the next year as revenue unless authorized by the voters, at an annual or special meeting warned for the purpose, to:
(1) deposit the funds into a reserve fund established pursuant to 24 V.S.A. § 2804; or
(2) use the funds for a specific purpose. (Added 2003, No. 107 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; amended 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 71, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 9 - School Districts › § 568. School branding

§ 568. School branding
(a) Definitions. As used in this section:
(1) “School” means a public school or an independent school approved under section 166 of this title.
(2) “School board” means the board of directors or other governing body of an educational institution when referring to an independent school.
(3) “School branding” means any name, symbol, or image used by a school as a mascot, nickname, logo, letterhead, team name, slogan, motto, or other identifier.
(b) Model policy.
(1) The Secretary of Education, in consultation with stakeholder groups, including the Vermont School Boards Association, shall develop and, from time to time, update a model nondiscriminatory school branding policy. The policy shall prohibit school branding that directly or indirectly references or stereotypes the likeness, features, symbols, traditions, or other characteristics that are specific to either:
(A) the race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity of any person or group of persons; or
(B) any person, group of persons, or organization associated with the repression of others.
(2) The policy shall provide a process for an individual to file a complaint that an element of school branding is in violation of the policy. Complaints shall be determined first by the school board of the district and, if the individual is unsatisfied with the decision of the board, may be appealed to the Secretary of Education.
(3) The policy shall also require school boards to review the district’s school branding to ensure compliance with the policy after any school branding changes or updates to the policy.
(c) School branding policy adoption. Each school board shall develop, adopt, and ensure implementation of, and make available in the manner described under subdivision 563(1) of this title, a nondiscriminatory school branding policy that shall be at least as comprehensive as the model policy developed by the Secretary. Any school board that fails to adopt such a policy shall be presumed to have adopted the most current model policy published by the Secretary. (Added 2021, No. 152 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. July 1, 2022.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 9 - School Districts › § 569. Purple Star Campus designation

§ 569. Purple Star Campus designation
(a) As used in this section, “military-connected student” means a student who is a dependent of a current or former member of:
(1) the U.S. military serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, or Coast Guard on active duty;
(2) the Vermont National Guard;
(3) a reserve force of the U.S. Armed Forces; or
(4) a member of a military or reserve force described in subdivision (1), (2), or (3) of this subsection who was killed in the line of duty.
(b) The Agency of Education shall designate a school district as a Purple Star Campus if the school district applies and qualifies for the designation under this section.
(c) To qualify as a Purple Star Campus, a school district shall:
(1) designate a staff member as a military liaison, whose duties include:
(A) identifying military-connected students enrolled in the district’s schools;
(B) serving as the point of contact between the school district and military-connected students and their families;
(C) determining appropriate school services available to military- connected students; and
(D) assisting in coordinating school programs relevant to military- connected students;
(2) maintain within the school district an Internet website with an easily accessible web page that includes resources for military-connected students and their families, including information regarding:
(A) relocation to, enrollment at, registration at, and transferring records to the school district;
(B) academic planning, course sequences, and advanced classes available at the school district; and
(C) counseling and other support services available for military- connected students enrolled in the school district;
(3) maintain a transition program led by students, where appropriate, that assists military-connected students in transitioning into the school district;
(4) offer professional development for staff members on issues related to military-connected students; and
(5) offer at least one of the following initiatives:
(A) a resolution showing support for military-connected students and their families;
(B) recognition of the Month of the Military Child or Military Family Month with relevant events hosted by the school district; or
(C) a partnership with a local military installation that provides opportunities for active duty military members to volunteer with the school district, speak at an assembly, or host a field trip.
(d) To comply with the requirements under subdivision (c)(2), (4), or (5) of this section, a school district may partner with a third party to provide those services and initiatives. (Added 2021, No. 140 (Adj. Sess.), § 7, eff. May 27, 2022.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 9 - School Districts › § 570b. Hazing

§ 570b. Hazing
The hazing prevention policy required by section 570 of this title and its plan for implementation shall include:
(1) a statement that hazing, as defined in subdivision 11(a)(30) of this title, is prohibited and may be subject to civil penalties pursuant to article 3 of this subchapter 5;
(2) a procedure that directs students, staff, parents, and guardians how to report violations and file complaints;
(3) a procedure for investigating reports of violations and complaints;
(4) a description of the circumstances under which hazing may be reported to a law enforcement agency;
(5) appropriate penalties or sanctions, or both, for organizations that or individuals who engage in hazing and revocation or suspension of an organization’s permission to operate or exist within the institution’s purview if that organization knowingly permits, authorizes, or condones hazing;
(6) a description of how the school board will ensure that teachers and other staff members receive training in preventing, recognizing, and responding to hazing; and
(7) annual designation of two or more people at each school campus to receive complaints and a procedure for publicizing those people’s availability. (Added 2011, No. 129 (Adj. Sess.), § 12, eff. May 11, 2012; amended 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 72, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 9 - School Districts › § 570c. Bullying

§ 570c. Bullying
The bullying prevention policy required by section 570 of this title and its plan for implementation shall include:
(1) a statement that bullying, as defined in subdivision 11(a)(32) of this title, is prohibited;
(2) a procedure that directs students, staff, parents, and guardians how to report violations and file complaints;
(3) a procedure for investigating reports of violations and complaints;
(4) a description of the circumstances under which bullying may be reported to a law enforcement agency;
(5) consequences and appropriate remedial action for students who commit bullying;
(6) a description of how the school board will ensure that teachers and other staff members receive training in preventing, recognizing, and responding to bullying; and
(7) annual designation of two or more people at each school campus to receive complaints and a procedure both for publicizing the availability of those people and clarifying that their designation does not preclude a student from bringing a complaint to any adult in the building. (Added 2011, No. 129 (Adj. Sess.), § 12, eff. May 11, 2012.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 9 - School Districts › § 570i. Definitions

§ 570i. Definitions
As used in this subchapter:
(1) “Educational institution” means a Vermont public or independent school or a postsecondary school that offers or operates a program of college or professional education for credit or a degree in Vermont.
(2) “Organization” means a fraternity, sorority, athletic team, association, corporation, order, society, corps, cooperative, club, or other similar group, whose members primarily are students at an educational institution, and that is affiliated with the educational institution.
(3) “Pledging” means any action or activity related to becoming a member of an organization.
(4) “Student” means any person who:
(A) is registered in or in attendance at an educational institution;
(B) has been accepted for admission at the educational institution where the hazing incident occurs; or
(C) intends to attend an educational institution during any of its regular sessions after an official academic break. (Added 1999, No. 120 (Adj. Sess.), § 9; amended 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 78, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 9 - School Districts › § 570j. Unlawful conduct

§ 570j. Unlawful conduct
(a) For purposes of this subchapter, “hazing” means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a student, whether individually or in concert with others, against another student:
(1) in connection with pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization that is affiliated with the educational institution; and
(2) that is intended to have the effect of, or should reasonably be expected to have the effect of, endangering the mental or physical health of the student.
(b) Hazing shall not include any activity or conduct that furthers legitimate curricular, extracurricular, or military training program goals, provided that:
(1) the goals are approved by the educational institution; and
(2) the activity or conduct furthers the goals in a manner that is appropriate, contemplated by the educational institution, and normal and customary for similar programs at other educational institutions.
(c) It shall be unlawful to:
(1) engage in hazing;
(2) solicit, direct, aid, or attempt to aid, or abet another person engaged in hazing; or
(3) knowingly fail to take reasonable measures within the scope of the person’s authority to prevent hazing.
(d) It is not a defense in an action under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity. (Added 1999, No. 120 (Adj. Sess.), § 9; amended 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 79, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 9 - School Districts › § 570k. Civil penalty; Judicial Bureau; waiver penalty

§ 570k. Civil penalty; Judicial Bureau; waiver penalty
(a) A person who commits an unlawful act under this subchapter shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000.00.
(b) Any law enforcement officer may issue a summons and complaint for an act of hazing, which shall be heard by the Judicial Bureau pursuant to the procedures provided in 4 V.S.A. chapter 29.
(c) The Court Administrator shall appoint a panel of Judicial Bureau hearing officers to establish a waiver penalty for an act of hazing.
(d) Nothing in this section shall limit or affect the right of an educational institution to enforce its own penalties against hazing. (Added 1999, No. 120 (Adj. Sess.), § 9; amended 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 80, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 9 - School Districts › § 570l. Criminal prosecution and civil action

§ 570l. Criminal prosecution and civil action
Nothing in this subchapter shall limit or preclude a criminal prosecution or any criminal or civil action based on any act that may constitute hazing. (Added 1999, No. 120 (Adj. Sess.), § 9; amended 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 81, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 9 - School Districts › § 571. Contracts to construct and operate joint schools

§ 571. Contracts to construct and operate joint schools
By a majority vote of the voters present and voting at a meeting, duly warned for that purpose, a town school district or incorporated school district may authorize its school directors to enter into a contract or contracts with other towns and parties for the financing, construction, maintenance, and operation of a competent school or schools to provide means and facilities for the convenient and adequate development, education, and training of the youths of such town. (2021, No. 176 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. June 7, 2022.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 9 - School Districts › § 572. Joint boards for joint, contract, or consolidated schools

§ 572. Joint boards for joint, contract, or consolidated schools
(a) The control of joint, contract, or consolidated schools, set up by two or more school districts, shall be vested in a joint school board from the forming school districts, and the members of the joint school board shall be chosen in the manner provided for in, and for the purpose of, this section. A joint, contract, or consolidated school board shall be referred to as a joint board.
(b) The joint board shall have full authority to act on all matters pertaining to the finance, location, construction, maintenance, and operation of schools set up as joint, contract, or consolidated schools, including the selection and hiring of teachers.
(c) The joint board shall consist of members chosen annually from the duly elected school boards of the school districts, each school district board electing a member or members to the joint board from among its own members.
(d) Unless the school districts that are parties to the contract have agreed upon a different method of allocating board members that is consistent with law, the allocation of the board members shall be as provided in this subsection. The school district with the largest number of pupils attending the joint, contract, or consolidated school shall have three members on the joint board. Each other school district shall have at least one member on the joint board, and its total membership shall be determined by dividing the number of pupils from the school district with the largest enrollment by three, rounding off the quotient to the nearest whole number, which shall be called the “factor” and by then dividing the pupil enrollment of each of the other school districts by the “factor,” rounding off this quotient to the nearest whole number, this number being the number of school directors on the joint board from each of the other school districts. Pupil enrollment for the purpose of determining the number of members on the joint board to which each school district is entitled shall be taken from the school registers on January 1 of the calendar year in which the school year starts. The joint board shall annually select from among its members a chair and a clerk and shall also select a treasurer from among the treasurers of the contracting districts. (Amended 1961, No. 79; 1991, No. 173 (Adj. Sess.); 2011, No. 129 (Adj. Sess.), § 8, eff. May 11, 2012; 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 65.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 11 - Union School Districts › § 701. Policy

§ 701. Policy
It is the policy of the State to provide substantially equal educational opportunities for all children in Vermont by authorizing two or more school districts, including an existing union school district, to form a union school district for the purpose of providing for the education of its resident students in the grades for which it is organized, and for the new union school district to be a body politic and corporate with the powers incident to a municipal corporation, with all of the rights and responsibilities that a town school district has in providing for the education of its resident students. Formation of union school districts shall be designed to encourage and support local decisions and actions that provide substantial equity of educational opportunities statewide, lead students to achieve or exceed the State’s Education Quality Standards, maximize operational efficiencies, promote transparency and accountability, and be delivered at a cost that parents, voters, and taxpayers value. (Added 2021, No. 176 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. June 7, 2022.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 11 - Union School Districts › § 703. Application of other laws and articles of agreement

§ 703. Application of other laws and articles of agreement
(a) Other education laws. The provisions of this chapter are intended to be in addition to the general provisions of law pertaining to schools, school districts, and supervisory unions. General provisions of law shall apply to union school districts unless inconsistent with or otherwise provided in this chapter.
(b) Existing articles of agreement.
(1) If a union school district joins with other school districts to form a new union school district pursuant to the provisions of sections 706–715 (process of exploration, formation, and organization of a union school district) of this chapter, then the articles of agreement of the existing union school district are repealed, and the articles of agreement of the new union school district shall govern.
(2) If a union school district joins another existing union school district pursuant to the provisions of section 721 (joining an existing union school district) of this chapter, then the articles of agreement of the joining district are repealed, and the articles of agreement of the enlarged union school district shall govern, unless the districts agree otherwise. (Added 2021, No. 176 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. June 7, 2022.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 11 - Union School Districts › § 709. Review by local school district boards; consideration and approval by State Board of Education

§ 709. Review by local school district boards; consideration and approval by State Board of Education
(a) If a study committee determines that it is advisable to propose formation of a union school district, then the committee shall transmit its report and proposed articles of agreement to the school board of each school district that the report identifies as either “necessary” or “advisable” to formation of the proposed union school district. Each board may review the report and proposed articles and may provide its comments to the study committee. The study committee has sole authority to determine the contents of the report and proposed articles and to decide whether to submit them to the State Board under subsection (b) of this section.
(b) If a study committee determines that it is advisable to propose formation of a union school district, then the committee shall transmit the report and proposed articles of agreement to the Secretary who shall submit them with recommendations to the State Board.
(c)(1) The State Board:
(A) shall consider the study committee’s report and proposed articles of agreement and the Secretary’s recommendations;
(B) shall provide the study committee an opportunity to be heard;
(C) may ask the Secretary or the study committee, or both, to make further investigation and may consider any other information the State Board deems to be pertinent; and
(D) may request that the study committee amend the report or the proposed articles of agreement, or both.
(2) If the State Board finds that formation of the proposed union school district is in the best interests of the State, the students, and the school districts, and aligns with the policy set forth in section 701 of this title, then it shall approve the study committee’s report and proposed articles of agreement, together with any amendments, as the final report and proposed articles of agreement, and shall give notice of its action to the study committee.
(d) The chair of the study committee shall file a copy of the approved final report and proposed articles of agreement with the clerk of each school district identified as “necessary” or “advisable” at least 30 days prior to the vote of the electorate on whether to form the union school district. (Added 2021, No. 176 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. June 7, 2022.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 11 - Union School Districts › § 710. Vote to form union school district

§ 710. Vote to form union school district
Subject to the provisions of subsections 706(c) (proposal to form study committee; existing union school districts) and 708(b) (study committee; necessary and advisable districts) of this chapter, the voters of each school district identified as “necessary” or “advisable” shall vote whether to form the proposed union school district, as follows:
(1) The vote shall be held on the date specified in the final report.
(2) The vote shall be by Australian ballot.
(3) The vote shall be at separate school district meetings held on the same day.
(4) The opportunity for early and absentee voting pursuant to 17 V.S.A. §§ 2531–2550 shall be provided.
(5) The board of each school district voting on the proposal shall warn the vote either as a special meeting of the school district or as part of its annual meeting. (Added 2021, No. 176 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. June 7, 2022.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 11 - Union School Districts › § 712. Contents of warning on votes to establish the union school district and elect the initial members of the union school district board

§ 712. Contents of warning on votes to establish the union school district and elect the initial members of the union school district board
The warning for each school district meeting to vote on formation of a union school district shall contain two articles in substantially the following form. The language used in Article 1 shall be the same for each “necessary” and “advisable” district voting on formation of the new district. Article II of the warning shall not include names of candidates for the union school district board.
WARNING
Article I. FORMATION OF UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
Article II. ELECTION OF INITIAL MEMBERS OF THE UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 11 - Union School Districts › § 713. Certification of votes; designation of district as union school district; recording by Secretary of State

§ 713. Certification of votes; designation of district as union school district; recording by Secretary of State
(a) Within 45 days after the vote or 15 days after a vote to reconsider the original vote under 17 V.S.A. § 2661, whichever is later, the clerk of each school district voting on the proposal to form a union school district shall certify the results of that vote to the Secretary of Education. The clerk shall submit the certification regardless of whether the district voters approved the proposed formation of a union school district.
(b) If the voters voting in each school district identified as “necessary” to formation of the proposed union school district vote to form the district, then the “necessary” school districts constitute a union school district, together with any school district designated as “advisable” that votes to form the proposed union school district.
(c) If the voters approve formation of a union school district pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, then upon receiving the certification of each clerk pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, but not sooner than 30 days after the initial vote, the Secretary shall designate the newly formed district as a union school district. The Secretary shall certify that designation and send the certification together with the clerks’ certifications to the Secretary of State, who shall record the certification.
(d) When the Secretary of State records the certification of the Secretary of Education, the union school district shall be a body politic and corporate with the powers incident to a municipal corporation, shall be known by the name or number given in the recorded certification, by that name or number may sue and be sued, and may hold and convey real and personal property for the use of the union school district. The recorded certification shall be notice to all parties of the formation of the union school district with all the powers incident to such a district as provided in this title.
(e) The Secretary of State shall file a certified copy of the recorded certification with the clerk of each member district of a new union elementary or union high school district and with the town clerk of each town within a new unified union school district. The Secretary of State shall file the certified copies not later than 14 days after the date on which the Secretary of Education certifies the existence of the union school district to the Secretary of State. Filing a certified copy with each clerk shall be prima facie evidence of full compliance with the requirements for the formation of a union school district as set forth in this subchapter. (Added 2021, No. 176 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. June 7, 2022.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 11 - Union School Districts › § 717. Dissolution, reorganization, and discontinuation of forming districts

§ 717. Dissolution, reorganization, and discontinuation of forming districts
(a) Unified union school district; dissolution of forming districts. On its operational date, a unified union school district shall supplant all forming districts and the forming districts shall cease to exist; provided, however, that if the voter-approved articles of agreement explicitly provide for it, then the supplanted forming districts and their boards may continue to exist for up to six months after the operational date for the sole purpose of completing any outstanding business that cannot legally be performed by the new unified union school district.
(b) Union Elementary and Union High School Districts.
(1) Reorganization of forming districts. On its operational date, a union elementary or union high school district shall supplant each forming district for the grades for which the union elementary or union high school district is organized (the supplanted grades). Each forming district shall cease to be organized to provide for education in the supplanted grades but shall continue to be responsible for the other grades for which it is organized; provided, however, that if the voter-approved articles of agreement explicitly provide for it, then the forming districts and their boards may continue to exist for the supplanted grades for up to six months after the operational date for the sole purpose of completing any outstanding business that cannot legally be performed by the new union elementary or union high school district.
(2) Dissolution of forming districts. If a forming district is organized to provide for education solely in the grades for which the new union elementary or union high school district is organized and the forming district is a member district of another union school district for all other grades, prekindergarten through grade 12, then the forming district shall cease all educational operations on the new union district’s operational date, the new union school district shall assume all powers and responsibilities of the forming district, and the forming district shall cease to exist; provided, however, that if the voter-approved articles of agreement explicitly provide for it, then the forming district and its board may continue to operate for up to six months after the operational date for the sole purpose of completing any outstanding business that cannot legally be performed by the new union elementary or union high school district. (Added 2021, No. 176 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. June 7, 2022.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 11 - Union School Districts › § 718. Transfer of real property to town in which it is located

§ 718. Transfer of real property to town in which it is located
If the original voter-approved articles of agreement require sale of real property to the town in which the property is located and the sale is scheduled to occur after the operational date, or if after the operational date and after completing any statutory and contractual prerequisites the union school district offers to sell any of its real property to the town in which the property is located, then the town may assume title to the real property for a price that is less than the fair market value only as follows:
(1) The conveyance to the town shall be made subject to all encumbrances of record, the assumption or payment of all outstanding bonds and notes, and the repayment of any school construction aid or grants that may be required by law if any such obligation was incurred before the operational date.
(2) The conveyance to the town shall be conditioned upon the town owning and using the real property for community and public purposes for a minimum of five years.
(3) If the town sells the real property prior to five years of ownership, then the town shall compensate the union school district for all capital improvements and renovations initiated after the operational date and prior to the sale to the town. (Added 2021, No. 176 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. June 7, 2022.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 11 - Union School Districts › § 719. Supervisory union; supervisory district

§ 719. Supervisory union; supervisory district
(a) The State Board shall assign each union school district formed under this chapter to a supervisory union for administrative, educational, and planning services, effective on the day on which the union school district becomes a body politic and corporate pursuant to subsection 713(d) (Secretary of State records the certification of the Secretary of Education) of this chapter.
(b) If a union school district formed under this chapter is a unified union school district, then the State Board may designate it as a supervisory district pursuant to the provisions of this title, to be effective not earlier than the operational date of the unified union school district.
(c) If a supervisory union includes at least one district that is a unified union school district, then the State Board, on its own initiative or at the request of the board of the supervisory union or the board of one or more districts in the supervisory union, may at any time, adjust the supervisory union board representation required by section 266 of this title to more fairly and accurately reflect the relative number of students for which each district is responsible and the grades for which the district operates a school or schools. (Added 2021, No. 176 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. June 7, 2022.)