A good education is important. So is being able to afford to live in Vermont. With rising school costs driving property taxes higher year after year, how much more can homeowners, working families, and seniors on fixed incomes be expected to pay?
The NEK Taxpayer Alliance was formed by Kingdom East residents fed up with rising school budgets while enrollment and student achievement decline. We support public education. We also believe taxpayers deserve answers about where their money goes and what they're getting in return.
Taxpayers have a right to know where their money goes. School spending should be easy to understand, records should be readily available, and questions from the public deserve straight answers.
KESD officials answer to the public. When budgets keep growing but enrollment and student achievement decline, taxpayers deserve answers. Spending decisions must be justified, results must be measured, and problems must be addressed—not ignored.
A good education shouldn't come at the expense of an affordable Vermont. School budgets must reflect what taxpayers can reasonably afford, prioritize classroom education, and eliminate unnecessary spending before asking homeowners to pay more.
Vermont Education Spending Keeps Rising. When is Enough Enough?
Vermont taxpayers are already paying more for education, even as student enrollment declines. Before asking homeowners to pay another dollar, education leaders should explain where the money is going and what results we're getting.
Video excerpt: WCAX interview.
The NEK Taxpayer Alliance was formed by Kingdom East School District residents concerned about rising school budgets, declining enrollment, and the growing burden of property taxes.
We believe Vermont families deserve quality public education and responsible spending. Our goal is to bring greater transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility to school district budgeting—while keeping our communities affordable for the people who call them home.
“Two-thirds of funding for education spending is raised from statewide education property taxes.”
From FY 2021 to FY 2027, the KESD budget has increased by more than 55%, while property taxes have risen sharply and student enrollment has declined.
Where is all that additional money going? And what are taxpayers getting in return?
Stay Connected. Make Your Voice Heard.
Have a question, concern, or information to share? We want to hear from you. Use the form below to contact the NEK Taxpayer Alliance.