The Washington Central Unified Union School District board voted 6-5 on June 23 against calling a special meeting to consider amending the district's articles of agreement, despite receiving a valid petition with more than 450 signatures. The petition, received June 15, sought to require that any school closure be approved by a majority of all district voters, not just those in the affected school, as well as a majority of the board.
Under Vermont law, the board had 60 days to warn a special meeting. The motion before the board was to hold that meeting on August 11. Board members voting against the motion were Chris McVeigh, Patrick Whelley, Marty McMahon, Natasha Eckhart, Julia Hewitt, and Elizabeth Brown. Voting in favor were Ursula Stanley, Michelle Ksepka, Daniel Keeney, Flor Diaz Smith, and Zach Sullivan.
During discussion, some board members expressed concern about defying statute and eroding public trust. Daniel Keeney called the debate "embarrassing," saying the board's legal obligation was clear. Ursula Stanley said she felt the board was "not doing a good job" by taking away constituents' rights to vote. Others, like Marty McMahon, acknowledged community anger and called for more listening.
Board member Natasha Eckart suggested warning the meeting within the 60-day period but setting it for November to allow more voter participation. The board agreed to seek legal counsel on next steps, and a special board meeting will be called once that advice is received.
Photo: Katerina Holmes via Pexels. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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