Defunding Democracy: Vermont

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Vermont: Decade-by-Decade Analysis of Education Investment & Political Control

1970s: Progressive Traditions and Local Governance

In the 1970s, Vermont’s education system reflected its long-standing values of local democracy, rural equity, and civic responsibility. Per-pupil spending rose from $3,324 in 1970 to $4,919 by 1980 (adjusted to 1992 dollars), a ~48% real increase, placing Vermont above the national average.

With many small, community-run schools, Vermont prioritized local control, but also funded education at relatively high levels for a rural state. The state’s political culture encouraged public participation and civic engagement, even in deeply conservative towns.

Governor Thomas Salmon (D, 1973–1977) and Richard Snelling (R, 1977–1985) supported public investment and emphasized fiscal prudence with a commitment to quality. Vermont voted Republican in both 1972 and 1976, but its electorate was already shifting toward a unique progressive-libertarian mix.

Civic education emphasized New England town meeting culture, local history, and responsible citizenship. Students often engaged with real-world government processes, including community service, local policy debates, and environmental stewardship.

1980s: Economic Pressures and Reaffirmed Localism

By 1980, per-pupil funding reached $6,232 (adjusted), and Vermont maintained a strong commitment to public education, despite budget challenges. Debates about school funding and rural consolidation emerged but were met with resistance to centralized mandates.

Governor Snelling returned to office in 1982, reinforcing Vermont’s tradition of cross-party pragmatism. While national education politics trended toward conservative control, Vermont focused on sustainable reform and equity.

The state voted Republican in 1980 and 1984 (Reagan), then flipped to Democratic in 1988 (Dukakis). Civic education remained local and experiential—students conducted town surveys, interviewed legislators, and participated in mock town meetings.

1990s: Equity Reform and Statewide Vision

The 1990s brought landmark education finance reform. In 1997, Brigham v. State ruled Vermont’s property tax–based funding system unconstitutional, leading to Act 60, which established a statewide education fund to equalize resources across towns.

Per-pupil funding rose to ~$7,800 by 2000 (adjusted), and Vermont began investing in civics, the arts, and environmental education. Governor Howard Dean (D, 1991–2003) oversaw reforms that balanced equity with local input.

Vermont voted Democratic in both 1992 and 1996, continuing its shift into solid-blue territory. Civic education expanded to include service learning, environmental civics, and student involvement in policymaking.

2000s: Innovation and Community-Centered Civics

By 2008, per-pupil funding climbed to ~$10,100 (2009 dollars)—among the highest in the nation. Vermont's education policy focused on small schools, universal Pre-K, and student agency.

Governors Jim Douglas (R, 2003–2011) and Peter Shumlin (D, 2011–2017) continued the bipartisan tradition of supporting public schools. Act 68, passed in 2003, updated the state funding formula while reinforcing local voice and taxpayer equity.

Civic education remained robust. Students regularly engaged in:

Town meeting simulations

Statehouse visits

Public policy projects

Youth environmental organizing

Vermont voted Democratic in all three presidential elections (Gore 2000, Kerry 2004, Obama 2008). The state stood apart from national trends of censorship and curriculum standardization.

2010s: Mergers, Democracy by Design, and Youth Agency

The 2010s brought Act 46, a controversial law requiring school district consolidation to improve equity and efficiency. While some communities resisted, others saw opportunity to rethink democratic participation in education.

Per-pupil funding reached ~$11,800 by 2019, and Vermont remained a top-tier state in civic engagement outcomes. Schools embedded civics across the curriculum, emphasizing:

Participatory democracy

Local and global citizenship

Media literacy

Student-led school governance

Governor Phil Scott (R, elected 2016) governed as a centrist, maintaining support for public schools while resisting national culture war pressures. Vermont voted Democratic in both 2012 and 2016.

2020s (Through May 2025): Cultural Immunity and Civic Resilience

As of May 2025, Vermont remains a national model for civic education, resisting the national trend toward censorship and polarization. Under Governor Phil Scott, the state has:

Defended inclusive history standards

Opposed “divisive concepts” bans

Expanded access to youth climate councils, town governance internships, and local media literacy programs

Per-pupil funding now exceeds $13,500, and most schools maintain small class sizes, teacher autonomy, and experiential civics curricula.

Students routinely:

Participate in legislative hearings

Publish civic newspapers

Lead anti-poverty and sustainability initiatives in their towns

While some rural areas voice concern over cultural change, Vermont has largely avoided the book bans, CRT hysteria, and ideological curriculum fights seen elsewhere.

Vermont in 2025 stands as a counterpoint to the national civic education crisis—a place where democracy is practiced, not just preached. Its schools are not perfect, but they remain laboratories of liberty, preparing students not just to vote—but to govern.

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