The Vermont Agency of Education has released a study that shows that the state's small school districts are costlier than other districts and provide fewer educational opportunities.
The report entitled "When is Small Too Small? Efficiency, Equity & the Organization of Vermont Public Schools" was released the day before legislators debated a bill aimed at consolidating school districts on Wednesday.
The research brief was published by a Rutgers University professor and a staff member of the Vermont Education Agency in response to research from Penn State University that suggested district consolidation would not save money.
The new report found that Vermont's very small school districts experience a combination of higher spending and higher taxes and less comprehensive academic program than could be provided at scale.
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