Dear Slate Valley Community,

Thank you for your continued engagement and thoughtful participation throughout this year’s budget process. In response to the initial budget vote on Town Meeting Day, the School Board carefully reviewed the proposal and made targeted adjustments to reduce overall spending while continuing to support our students and staff.

The revised FY27 budget reflects a reduction of approximately $202,500 from the original proposal. These changes include:
Reducing one additional elementary teaching position in Orwell due to a smaller-than-anticipated kindergarten class size ($72,500)
Reducing tuition funds that had been allocated to support a Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program ($30,000)
Scaling back planned spending on buildings and grounds ($100,000)

With these adjustments, the revised budget is now $32.3 million, which is down from the original proposal. This brings the year-over-year increase to 2.16%, which is below the current inflation rate of 2.4% and the 2026 Cost of Living adjustment of 2.8%.

As Vermont continues to work to manage rising education costs, Slate Valley, one of 19 districts out of 114 whose budgets did not pass on Town Meeting Day, remains under significant fiscal pressure. These include rising healthcare and insurance costs, inflation, evolving student needs, and a growing number of unfunded state and federal mandates. Together, these factors make it increasingly challenging to balance educational priorities with affordability for taxpayers within the current state education funding formula.

As a district within Vermont's statewide education funding system, we operate within these broader fiscal realities. While neighboring districts may spend more per pupil, the system's structure means we collectively support all students across the state, not just those in our own communities.
At the same time, we want to recognize that last year, all Slate Valley communities experienced decreases in tax rates, and current estimates suggest that tax rates may decrease again this year in our largest town, Castleton.

Throughout this process, our focus has remained steady: supporting student learning, maintaining essential services, and aligning with the district’s long-term goals, while being mindful of our responsibility to taxpayers.

We invite you to join us for an informational meeting on Monday, March 30, at 6:30 PM in the band room at Fair Haven Union Middle and High School to learn more about the revised budget. Your voice and participation are important as we prepare for the revote on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

For more detailed information, please visit the FY27 Budget page on our website at www.slatevalleyunified.org.

Thank you for your continued support of our schools and our students.
Sincerely,
Slate Valley Unified Union School District
about 1 hour ago, Slate Valley
Graphic promoting the “Revised FY27 Proposed Budget” for Slate Valley Unified Union School District, featuring a QR code to access more information, the website slatevalleyunified.org, and school logos along the side.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for last night’s Executive Board Meeting to discuss the revised FY27 Proposed Budget. We appreciate the time, thoughtful questions, and community engagement as we continue this important process together.

📅 Next Steps:

Information Meeting: March 30

🕡 6:30 PM

📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room

🗳️ Budget Revote: March 31

Your voice and participation matter—thank you for being part of the conversation and staying informed.
about 6 hours ago, Slate Valley
Community members sit around tables in a school library during a meeting, listening and participating in a discussion.
Two adults sit at a table during a meeting, with one person speaking and gesturing while holding a document.
Group of community members seated in a library, listening attentively during a discussion at a school meeting.
Last Thursday afternoon marked the conclusion of Parent-Teacher Conferences, and on Friday teachers across the district spent the day collaborating and learning during Professional Development.

Staff participated in collaborative sessions led by colleagues and district coaches, exploring topics such as OpenSciEd science instruction, Artificial Intelligence in education, teaching neurodivergent learners, vocabulary development, and school safety practices. Teachers rotated through short sessions, shared strategies, and engaged in professional learning rounds designed to strengthen instruction and support students.

Professional learning is an important part of keeping our classrooms innovative, supportive, and responsive to student needs. Thank you to all of our educators who continue to grow, collaborate, and bring new ideas back to their classrooms every day.
1 day ago, Slate Valley
An educator sits across from a parent in a classroom, smiling and talking during a conference with a laptop open on the table.
A teacher presents information on a laptop to two colleagues seated at a table during a small-group professional development discussion.
A group of educators sit together at a table reviewing materials and discussing instructional resources during a collaborative professional learning session in a school library.
A group of educators sit together at a table reviewing materials and discussing instructional resources during a collaborative professional learning session in a school library.
Instructional assistants sit in a circle of chairs in a gymnasium participating in a safety training discussion during professional development.
An instructor stands at the front of a classroom presenting a slide titled “Overstimulation – Tips” while educators listen and take notes during a professional development session.
A small group of teachers sit around a table discussing classroom strategies while a presentation about guiding student AI usage appears on a screen behind them.
Educators sit at tables in a school gymnasium listening to a presentation during a large-group professional development meeting.
A group of elementary teachers sit around a table with laptops, collaborating and discussing instructional planning during a professional learning session.
A teacher stands at the front of a classroom pointing to a projected slide while educators seated at tables listen and participate in a professional development workshop.
⚾🥎👟 Spring Sports Are Approaching in Slater Nation!

Spring athletics are getting ready to begin at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, and we’re excited to see our student-athletes back in action!

High School (Grades 9–12)

Baseball & Softball: Pitchers and Catchers report March 23

Regular season begins March 30

Track & Field: First practice March 30 at 3:30 PM

Middle School (Grades 7–8)

Track & Field, Baseball, and Softball will begin the week of March 30. Practice times and locations will be shared soon.

Track & Field Opportunity: Students in grades 5–8 are welcome to participate.

📄 Important Reminder: A current athletic physical must be on file with the school before participating.

For questions, families can contact:

Baseball: agreenlese@svuvt.org

Softball: jhayes@svuvt.org

Track & Field: jon.oakman@svuvt.org

MS Track & Field: sarah.robles@svuvt.org
1 day ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Slater Nation Spring Sports” with Slate Valley logo announcing FHUMHS spring sports start dates. High school baseball and softball pitchers and catchers report March 23 with season starting March 30; track and field begins March 30 at 3:30 PM. Middle school baseball, softball, and track start the week of March 30. Reminder that athletic physicals must be on file.
REMINDER: Tonight - 6:00 PM - Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Library
Please join the conversation!
1 day ago, Slate Valley
Graphic flyer titled “FY27 Budget Challenge: What Changed… & What is Next?” promoting a community conversation on the revised FY27 budget. Meeting is March 16, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the FHUMHS Library. Additional meetings: March 23 School Board Meeting and March 30 Budget Revote Information Meeting, both at 6:30 PM in the FHUMHS Band Room. Budget revote is Tuesday, March 31. Encourages community members to stay informed, ask questions, and be part of the conversation.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: March 13, 2026 https://mailchi.mp/d3800efaec74/slate-valley-district-news-march-13-update
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Banner graphic for the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated March 13, 2026, featuring the headline “Professional Development” above an illustration of four educators collaborating around a table with lightbulb icons symbolizing ideas and learning.
🎤🎸 Grades 5 & 6 Air Band Fun! 🎸🎤

During yesterday’s half day of school, Grade 5 & 6 students took part in a creative team-building activity—an Air Band performance! Students worked together in groups to design costumes, create props, and perform their best “air” musical acts.

From inflatable alien costumes and cardboard props to hockey sticks and fun character outfits, each group brought their own creativity and humor to the stage. The activity encouraged teamwork, imagination, and confidence while giving students a chance to collaborate and celebrate each other’s ideas.
4 days ago, Slate Valley
A group of students and a staff member pose together in a classroom, many wearing matching brown monkey costumes as part of a themed air band performance.
Three students pose with props including small bowling balls and a cardboard sign that reads “Strike,” as part of a creative air band act.
A group of students in costumes, including inflatable alien outfits and cardboard creations, pose together during an air band team activity.
Four students hold hockey sticks and pose like a team during their air band performance, wearing sports jerseys and themed outfits.
Two students wearing yellow duck costumes and colorful wigs stand beside a cardboard prop stage during their air band performance.
A student wearing an inflatable dinosaur costume performs in front of classmates during the air band activity.
Three students pose on gym mats wearing costumes including an inflatable sumo suit and a large coat with costume accessories.
A teacher stands with several students wearing sunglasses and casual outfits as part of their air band group presentation.
Three students pose with cardboard costumes and props, including a cardboard shop sign and a bright yellow box costume.
A group of students pose with handmade cardboard props, including a cardboard vehicle and other creative costume pieces for their air band performance.
📢 Reminder for Slate Valley Families

All Slate Valley schools will have an early release tomorrow, Thursday, March 12, followed by No School on Friday, March 13.

📅 Thursday, March 12 – Early Release Day
📅 Friday, March 13 – No School
6 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing an early release for Slate Valley schools on Thursday, March 12 and no school on Friday, March 13. The image shows cartoon children jumping and celebrating, with bold text reading “Early Release Thursday, March 12” and “No School Friday, March 13,” along with the Slate Valley Vermont logo.
🎨 Celebrating Youth Art Month in Fair Haven!

Throughout the month of March, student artwork from Slate Valley schools is on display at the Fair Haven Welcome Center as part of a regional Youth Art Month exhibition featuring talented artists from several surrounding districts.

Visitors are invited to explore the building and discover student artwork displayed throughout the space. The pieces are thoughtfully placed among the center’s maps, books, and displays—almost like a safari for art, where each turn reveals another creative work from a talented young artist.

👏 Congratulations to our Slater student artists and to all the area students whose work was selected for display. And a special thank you to the dedicated art teachers across our region who inspire creativity and help nurture these incredible talents every day.

If you’re in the area, stop by the Fair Haven Welcome Center and take the journey to find these amazing works of art! 🎨
7 days ago, Slate Valley
The entrance of the 'FAIR HAVEN' welcome center, built with light-colored wood siding and grey slate-stone, featuring a large gabled entryway and a green state seal sign on a sunny day.
A monochrome blue acrylic painting depicting a solitary woman in a flowing dress within a wintery, bare-tree forest and several deer, with a label for 'Shira Hertzberg' below.
Two distinct student sculptures: a symmetrical blue and green origami radial design by Lexi Tursi, and a brown paper pop art piece with the text "BFDI" by Colton King.
A framed student artwork of a fish labeled 'Kess Hunter' hangs above a colorful, hand-beaded purse with the text "ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE" on a wooden display.
Two student art projects: a pink and white dragon egg on cotton with flowers by Jiy Rogers, and a blue and black dragon egg with green paint and LED lights by Waylon Hutchins.
Two student paper collage artworks: one depicts a mountain landscape with trees by Niyah Brown, and the other is a multi-layered, abstract vertical composition by Oak Jutz.
Two student art pieces: a mixed-media portrait of a woman with a butterfly tattoo on a polka-dot background by Nicole Hathaway, and a blue clay vessel featuring a detailed orange octopus by Olivia Hutchins.
Two student paintings, one featuring a skeleton animal figure by Brynn Otto and Irie Swinington, and the other a field of red tulips under a blue sky by Maya Volpe.
Two framed student drawings of fish displayed on a wooden shelf; the top artwork shows a Rock Bass and the bottom a Silverhorse Fish.
Two framed student drawings of fish on a wooden shelf; the top is a stylized Darter Fish and the bottom is a textured Cutlip Minnow.
⚾🥎Spring Sports Registration is Now Open!🏃‍♂️🎾

Student-athletes interested in participating in spring sports should register as soon as possible.

🖥 Register online:
Visit formreleaf.com or click the “Registration” link on the athletics page of your school’s website and select your sport.

📋 Important Reminder:
All athletes must have an updated sports physical on file at school in order to participate.

Spring sports are just around the corner—don’t miss your chance to get involved and represent the Slaters this season!
7 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic with the headline “Time to Register for Spring Sports!” directing students to register at formreleaf.com or through the registration link on the athletics webpage and choose their sport. The graphic also reminds athletes that an updated sports physical must be on file at the school. Blue arrows and bold text highlight the registration information.

📣 Slate Valley Budget Challenge: What Changed & What’s Next?

Community members are invited to join us for an open conversation about the revised FY27 school budget.

📅 Monday, March 16
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Library
🗣️This meeting will be held in person only, with no virtual option available.

This Executive Committee meeting will include an open forum with community members to discuss revisions to the FY27 budget and answer questions ahead of the upcoming revote.

Upcoming Meetings
• March 23 – School Board Meeting – 6:30 PM
• March 30 – Budget Revote Information Meeting – 6:30 PM

🗳 Budget Revote: Tuesday, March 31

Your voice matters. Join the conversation.

7 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic flyer titled “FY27 Budget Challenge – What Changed & What is Next?” inviting community members to a conversation about the revised FY27 budget on March 16, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the Fair Haven Union Middle and High School Library. The flyer encourages community participation to ask questions and stay informed. Additional meetings listed include March 23 (School Board Meeting – approve warning) and March 30 (Budget Revote Information Meeting), with the budget revote scheduled for Tuesday, March 31.
🐾📚 Reading with Caring Canines 🐶📖

Last Wednesday, students at Fair Haven Grade School enjoyed their visit with Caring Canines, one of our favorite weekly programs! These gentle, well-trained therapy dogs come to the school so students can practice reading aloud in a calm, supportive environment.

Reading to a dog helps students build confidence, strengthen literacy skills, and most importantly—have fun with books. The Caring Canines are wonderful listeners and always happy to sit quietly while students share their stories.

We are grateful for the volunteers and their amazing dogs who visit FHGS each week and help make reading such a positive experience for our students!
8 days ago, Slate Valley
Two students sit on a rug in the school library reading a book aloud while a small therapy dog lies beside them.
A student and adult sit on a classroom rug reading a book while a white therapy dog lies calmly next to them.
Students sit together on a rug in the library while one student gently hugs a white therapy dog during a reading activity.
Two students sit on a rug reading books while a small therapy dog rests beside them.
A student pets a small therapy dog lying on a rug while reading in the school library.
A white therapy dog stands calmly while a student lies on the floor petting the dog during a reading session in the library.
🎶Band & Chorus Basket Raffle Fundraiser! 🎶

Come support the Fair Haven Grade School Band & Chorus as we raise money for our upcoming High Notes Music Festival Trip!

📅 Saturday, March 14, 2026
📍 Fair Haven Grade School Gym
🚪 Doors open at 10:00 AM
🎟️ Basket drawings begin at 11:30 AM

✨ What to expect:
🧺 Basket Raffle with lots of great prizes
🍪 Bake Sale with homemade treats and snacks
💰 50/50 Raffle — try your luck and support our music students!

Bring your friends and family and help support our young musicians. Every ticket helps make this trip possible for our students!

We hope to see you there! 🎵
8 days ago, Slate Valley
Flyer for the FHGS Music Basket Raffle fundraiser supporting the Intermediate Band and Chorus trip to the High Notes Music Festival. The event will take place at the Fair Haven School Gym on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Doors open at 10:00 AM and basket drawings begin at 11:30 AM. Activities include a basket raffle, bake sale, and 50/50 raffle. Entry costs $5 and includes one sheet of tickets, with additional ticket sheets available for $2. Donations of raffle baskets and individually packaged baked goods, soda, water, and chips are requested.
Board Meeting - March 9, 2026
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Fair Haven Grade School Library.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/stt-quca-xys
Or dial: (US) +1 551-444-6618 PIN: 289 694 801#
Please note: To participate in conversation virtually and/or ask a question virtually, please use the “raise hand” icon in Google Meet. Typing responses or questions in chat is not an option.
8 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic inviting the public to attend a Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting. Text reads: “Please Join Us Tonight.” Agenda items listed include Board Reorganization, Consent Agenda, Retirement, and Elevator Bids. The meeting will be held March 9, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the Fair Haven Grade School Library. The Slate Valley Vermont logo appears on the right side.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: March 6, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/36c096fa758c/slate-valley-district-newsletter
11 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic header for the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated March 6, 2026, featuring the word “March” with seasonal imagery: a lion standing in a snowy winter scene on the left and a lamb in a spring landscape with flowers on the right, along with the Slate Valley logo and the phrase “Our School, Your Future.”
FHGS March Newsletter: https://aptg.co/vKn1sb
11 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic newsletter for Fair Haven Grade School, March 2025, featuring the school logo and Slate Valley Unified School District logo above a photo of the school building. The left side includes a Principal’s Message from Principal Deborah Infurna welcoming families to spring, highlighting community engagement opportunities such as a music program basket raffle on March 14, Join Your Child for Lunch days, and a K–2 concert on March 25. It also shares information about statewide testing for grades 3–6 and upcoming preschool and kindergarten screening opportunities. The right side lists upcoming events for March and early April, including Invite a Family Member to Lunch days, marking period end on March 6, an options-based drill the week of March 9, a board meeting on March 9, PTO meeting on March 11, early release on March 12, no school March 13 for in-service, the basket raffle March 14, Grade 5 Starbase on March 18, Veggie Van Go on March 20, K–2 concert March 25 at 6:30 p.m., a 5th grade science and social studies family engagement night on March 26, preschool screenings on March 19 and March 30, Falcon Gathering on March 31, preschool screenings April 1, kindergarten screening April 3, and a fire egress drill the week of April 6.
Spirit Week fun in Preschool where our youngest learners joined in the excitement!

It was a joyful week filled with imagination, laughter, and lots of smiles. Spirit Week is always a favorite, and our preschoolers truly brought the spirit!
11 days ago, Slate Valley
Two young children stand in a kitchen wearing matching pastel purple and pink sparkly dresses with tulle skirts and boots, smiling while posing together.
Two preschool students in a classroom dressed for spirit week: one child wearing a red firefighter helmet, red jacket, glasses, and holding a toy fire extinguisher, standing next to a child in a bright red dress with a name badge.
A preschool class stands with their teacher in a classroom while dressed as different future careers, including a doctor, astronaut, dancer, and other costumes. The teacher stands in the middle wearing a green and black dress while the students pose on a colorful classroom rug.
Four preschool students stand together in a classroom wearing white lab coats and medical-themed outfits, pretending to be doctors or scientists. Other students dressed for spirit week can be seen in the background.
A preschool teacher and group of students sit and kneel on a colorful classroom rug making silly faces and sticking out their tongues while posing for a playful group photo.

Friday Focus – March Spotlight: Work Based Learning at FHUHS

This month’s Friday Focus highlights the Work Based Learning (WBL) Program at Fair Haven Union High School, led by Ms. Eliza LeBrun. The program connects classroom learning with real-world experience by placing students in local businesses and organizations while they continue their academic studies.

Two students currently gaining valuable experience through the program are senior Kaidyn Runnells and junior Katie Bouzianis, both working with the Town of Fair Haven.

Kaidyn begins his day at 6:00 a.m. with Fair Haven Public Works, where he has become a paid member of the team. From plowing sidewalks to maintaining equipment, he is building hands-on skills and learning the responsibility that comes with serving the community.

Katie is exploring a future in law enforcement, spending her afternoons at the Fair Haven Police Department after completing her morning classes. She assists with administrative tasks, documentation, and court preparation while also gaining insight into the day-to-day operations of a police department.

Recently, Town Manager Joseph Gunter even placed an impromptu call to Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell to share how impressed the town has been with both students and the program—recognizing their work ethic and the positive impact they are making.

A big thank you to the Town of Fair Haven and our community partners who help make opportunities like this possible.

Local businesses interested in mentoring a student through Work Based Learning are encouraged to reach out to Principal Ben Worthing (bworthing@svuvt.org) or Ms. Eliza LeBrun (elebrun@svuvt.org) at 802-265-4966.

Through the leadership of Ms. LeBrun and the support of community partners, students like Kaidyn and Katie are not only learning about careers—they are stepping into them.

11 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic promoting Fair Haven Union High School’s Work Based Learning Program. The design features photos of senior Kaidyn Runnells operating a snowplow for the Fair Haven Public Works Department and junior Katie Bouzianis working at a desk inside the Fair Haven Police Department. Text reads “Focus Friday – FHU Senior Kaidyn Runnells & FHU Junior Katie Bouzianis” and “WBL – Work Based Learning Program,” along with the Slate Valley Unified School District logo.
Senior Kaidyn Runnells smiles while seated in the cab of a municipal snowplow, wearing a high-visibility yellow jacket and baseball cap as part of his Work Based Learning placement with the Fair Haven Public Works Department.
Fair Haven Union High School senior Kaidyn Runnells sits inside a bright orange sidewalk snowplow vehicle at the Fair Haven Public Works Department yard on a winter day. Snow and municipal vehicles are visible in the background near a brick building.
Junior Katie Bouzianis sits at a desk in an office at the Fair Haven Police Department, smiling toward the camera while working at a computer. Office shelves, paperwork, and a bulletin board are visible behind her.
View through a glass window labeled “Police Dept.” showing the front office area of the Fair Haven Police Department. Junior Katie Bouzianis is visible behind the service counter working at a computer, with informational flyers and office materials displayed nearby.
Today, Friday, March 6, 2026, all Slate Valley schools are on a 2 hour delay due to the weather.
11 days ago, Slate Valley
snowy graphic with the words “2 Hour Delay! Friday, March 6th” written in green and blue
Future careers were on full display in Mrs. McCrea’s Kindergarten class as students dressed up as what they hope to be when they grow up for Spirit Week! 👩‍🚒👮‍♀️👩‍🍳👩‍🎨👑

From a police officer ready to serve the community to a group of creative and imaginative future professionals—including artists, royalty, and caring helpers—these kindergarteners showed that their dreams are already big and bright. It was a fun day filled with smiles, creativity, and plenty of imagination as students shared their future goals with their classmates.
12 days ago, Slate Valley
A kindergarten student smiles while wearing a police officer costume, including a helmet, badge, and toy handcuffs, standing in a classroom with cubbies and tables in the background.
Four kindergarten students stand together in a classroom wearing costumes for Spirit Week. One wears a leather jacket and dress, another an artist apron, another a colorful princess-style outfit, and another a tiara while holding a baby doll.
A kindergarten student dressed as a farmer in brown overalls stands next to a smiling adult dressed in denim overalls, a sweater, and a straw hat inside a classroom during Spirit Week dress-up day.