Norwich School Board Weighs School Consolidation Under Act 46

As the clock ticks down to the start of school, Norwich Vermont School Board members are weighing the advantages of school district consolidation. This would fall under Vermont Act 46 which offers some enticing tax breaks and might prompt the district to simplify its organizational structure.

The Valley News reports that by merging with a small nearby district — administrators raised Thetford as a possibility — Norwich could claim tax incentives under Act 46. This new school district merger law aims to equalize educational opportunities in Vermont and find a solution to worsening economies of scale in the state’s smaller districts.

Norwich school officials are meeting with their colleagues in other towns and are considering applying for a consolidation study grant from the state.