Dear Reader,

Many of Vermont’s K-12 students returned to classrooms last week for the first time since the onset of the coronavirus in March. The state’s approach to in-person education has been the subject of widespread debate, and preparing to reopen schools during the Covid-19 pandemic has sparked unique challenges and solutions. 

VTDigger is for the community, by the community. We understand firsthand the challenges and pain points that families are experiencing with child care and schooling decisions. If you’re relying on our education coverage for news about school reopenings, please donate to our September member drive today because we rely on your support. 
In recent weeks, VTDigger’s education reporter Lola Duffort has tracked the latest developments as schools around the state prepare to welcome students back. Lola’s coverage has included these stories and many more:
  • Crossett Brook, a central Vermont middle school is closed to in-person instruction this week after two students tested positive for Covid-19, making it the first school to experience a closure this year due to the virus.
  • Administrators and rank-and-file educators alike are complaining that the state’s laissez-faire approach has left schools on their own to create plans, many of which do not align with one another.
  • School administrators said last month that they continue to worry about a surge in leave requests, early retirements or resignations sparked by fear of the coronavirus.
  • A new system of child care hubs will serve school-age children on remote learning days. As of Sept. 1, the state was in the final stages of approving 12 hub sites in eight counties, with 20 more applications in the pipeline.
Yesterday we launched our September member drive and in just 12 hours, more than 100 people gave to support our rigorous reporting. Will you join them and stand with us this fall as we continue to cover the pandemic and its impacts?

We know times are hard for many right now. If you can afford to, please give on behalf of someone who can’t.

The best way to support our work is making a monthly donation of any amount.

Having all the facts is the best defense for everyone navigating the ever-changing landscape of the Covid-19 pandemic. We promise we will be there for you this school year.

With Gratitude,

Anne Galloway
Founder and Editor, VTDigger

Online: vtdigger.org/donate
Call: (802) 225-6224
Mail: Make checks payable to VTDigger, 26 State Street, Suite 8, Montpelier, VT 05602

VTDigger's founder and editor-at-large.