Abstract

This article describes the implementation of an initiative to encourage voluntary school district mergers in Vermont. The law was intended to increase educational opportunities for Vermont students while reducing costs. Three research activities were conducted to understand how districts and supervisory unions around the state responded to the new merger legislation, what kinds of outcomes were experienced, and what contributed to those outcomes. The methods employed include a survey of superintendents, an exit poll of voters, and an interview study of key participants in the only merger initiative to be approved during the study period. The results demonstrate strong interest in mergers among school administrators and much of the public, but there are formidable challenges to successful planning, development, and implementation of merger proposals. Successful merger plans must be responsive to the concerns of voters and compatible with the ways in which residents identify with their communities.

How to Cite:

Rogers, J. D., Glesner, T. J. & Meyers, H. W., (2014) “Early Experiences Implementing Voluntary School District Mergers in Vermont”, Journal of Research in Rural Education 29(7), 1–14.

Rights: Copyright