Dear HUUSD Community,

We are sorry to report that the second attempt for a Harwood Unified Union School District 2024-2025 school budget failed by a vote of 1565 in favor (47.42%) and 1731 opposed (52.45%).

The last few months have been challenging for our schools and our community. Going into this budget season the administration and school board had to make some difficult decisions regarding programs, services, and personnel knowing that, among other factors, our federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) money was expiring while the lingering academic, social, and emotional impacts from the pandemic are still a reality for many of our students.

Additionally, with changes from Vermont Act 127 having a negative impact on our district finances we are aware that we still have challenging decisions ahead of us.

The school board has already discussed a contingency plan if this second budget was not successful and more budget reductions were necessary. The school board and administration will work collaboratively with town clerks in order to establish a date for a third vote as soon as possible.

The school district will communicate more details about the next steps in the coming days. 

Thank you again for your ongoing support of our schools during these challenging times.

Sincerely,

Ashley Woods, Board Chair

Cindy Senning, Board Vice Chair

Dr. Mike Leichliter, Superintendent of Schools