Education Commissioner Richard Cate proposed major changes today on how public schools are governed in Vermont.
The changes would address rising costs, declining enrollment and a shortage of school administrators.
Cate says the proposal presented to the state Board of Education is designed to stimulate a year-long conversation.
Among the changes, Cate has recommended reducing the number of school districts from 284 to 63.
He also advised that school boards would appoint a superintendent who would then choose principals and administrators with the approval of the school board.
Parents and students also would be allowed to choose which public school to attend based on the school’s capacity.