The Vermont House has endorsed a bill that would require many school districts in the state to merge with their neighbors.
The bill says districts should have a minimum of 1,100 students and serve students from preschool through grade 12.
The Legislature's Joint Fiscal Office says efficiencies gained through consolidating districts are expected to save between $32 million and $54 million a year.
Critics complained that the bill merely tinkers with Vermont's educational system and that more fundamental reforms are needed. Backers say the bill takes several steps to address voters' concerns about rising property taxes.
The bill won preliminary approval on an 88-55 roll call vote. It's up for final approval on Thursday before moving to the Senate.
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