u/RamaSchneider

While browsing Reddit this AM I came across this post with the headline claim that "college students are testing at the level of 10-year-olds", and it perked my interest. I read the article and it seemed to be more of the generic complaints about young people not being up to snuff academically.

As it turns out people test out at different levels under different circumstances- whether that's meaningful or not isn't my point here.

I flashed back to a discussion I had some years ago with an older brother. It was this very same lack-of-academic-proficiency topic, and I brought up what was to me a fairly new thought - around 1900 one could learn all the known physics math within months or maybe a year. Nowadays it takes multiple years just to be up to date with very narrow areas such as particle point vs quantum gravity.

The amount of gained and retained knowledge has expanded exponentially as the means to collect, collate, and disperse information have grown in size and use from the Guttenberg press to today's literal world wide web of interconnected communications.

But we're still asking children and pre-adults (as well as alleged adults such as you and I) to be able to absorb a timeline of information - a timeline that has become more full and subject to subtleties - the world they're being asked to grow in to.

Not trying to be original, just thinking out loud.

>But [Superintendent Ryan] Heraty pointed to a broader concern emerging around the state: whether consolidation alone can deliver the savings lawmakers are seeking, when some of the biggest pressures on school budgets — including rising health insurance costs — would remain even if districts merge.

The Superintendent is absolutely correct. This round of mergers is going to require consolidating school building too, and I know Stowe is not a fan of this.

A merger that includes Harwood, Stowe, and Elmore/Morristown could certainly bring three high schools down to two and possibly even one (I'd think two would be north and south of Stowe while one single campus would be in Stowe).

Folks, this is our opportunity to put together districts that will preserve local elementary schools while allowing for consolidation of some middle schools, and creation of regional high schools.

I bring this up because I strongly believe that 2026 Act 170 requires Harwood to be in the wrong group for initial merger discussions (Twinfield too, but that's for other folks). I also truly believe that Harwood, Stowe, and Elmore/Morristown would make the basis for a great school district. Here's the act, see Section 14 for the listing of initial merger discussion groupings.

Don't let that "we got a couple years" fool you - we've all been through this merger stuff very recently and we all know that couple of years will pass with amazing speed. Good early decisions will lead to good results.

Does anyone have any recent reviews of Ayer Auto Sales in Barre. I had bought a car from them about 8 years ago and got my money worth out of it. I am now in the market for a car for my daughter.

I noticed the lot was not open after the flood(s) and see they are selling more older cars.

I was wondering if anyone had a recent experience with them, if the same guy was running it and if they had the same model of buying good shape auction cars and going through them before selling.

The Central Vermont Amateur Radio Club (CVARC) will be participating in ARRL Field Day tomorrow, Saturday the 27th, starting at 2:00 PM and continuing until Sunday at 2:00 PM at the Old Shelter in Hubbard Park in Montpelier, VT.

Field Day is the largest amateur radio event in North America. Clubs and individuals set up temporary stations to test equipment, learn new skills, and make contacts across the country and around the world.

I will be running the GOTA (Get On The Air) station, which is specifically intended for newcomers, inactive hams, and anyone who is curious about amateur radio. No experience or license is required to sit down, ask questions, and get on the air.

If you've ever wondered what amateur radio is, wanted to see the equipment in action, or just want to make a contact on the air, stop by and say hello. We'd love to meet you.

Saturday, 6/27, 2:00 PM until Sunday, 6/28, 2:00 PM

Old Shelter, Hubbard Park, Montpelier, Vermont

Ryan Lockwood • Town Manager, Town Office, Williamstown

When: Jun 30, 2026, 6 to 7 PM
Where: 249 Meadow Street, Williamstown, VT

The Town of Williamstown is exploring options for adding sidewalks near the elementary school and middle/high school.

The sidewalks could connect just between the schools or additionally connect the schools to the Village.

This is the intial meeting to kick off the project and is an opportunity for the project team to hear about comments and concerns that residents have.

Your feedback is essential and greatly appreciated, please join us!

Pizza will be provided!

(my bolding)

>
Facilitators shall use the school district groupings contained in subdivisions (1)–(20) of this section as guidance when forming merger committees pursuant to Sec. 13 of this act. ...

...

(20) Group 20: Barre Unified Union School District, Harwood Unified Union School District, Montpelier Roxbury School District, Paine Mountain School District, and Washington Central Unified Union School District.

H. 955 as pass by both the House and Senate, see page 46.

This bill isn't signed into law as of this writing, but there is every expectation that it will be. Something else in the bill that I think is important as well as a very good sign:

>(b) Legislative intent.

...

(3) It is the intent of the General Assembly to create a statewide education system that encourages and supports local elementary schools, central middle schools, and comprehensive, regional high schools that provide each student with universal access to career technical education.

Ibid, pages 2 & 3

There are no magical borders or superheroes protecting Vermonters and Vermont. Our near term future will require loyalty to neighbor and fidelity to community.

I'm waiting for the final agreed on and passed out of both chambers version before full acceptance of anything, but it does look like Paine Mountain School District will initially be looking north for merger talks. The grouping we're put in is "Barre Unified Union School District, Harwood Unified Union School District, Montpelier Roxbury School District, Paine Mountain School District, Twinfield Unified School District, and Washington Central Unified Union School District."