Slate Valley Estimated Tax Rates Remain Stable - Decreases Expected in Largest Towns
As we approach the FY27 budget revote on March 31, 2026, here are a few key highlights:
• Education spending (budget less local revenue) increase: just 0.86%
• Per-pupil increase (2.7%) is due to declining enrollment—not new spending
• No estimated tax rate increases at or above 7%
• Estimated decreases in our largest towns:
Castleton: –3.44% | Fair Haven: –0.56%
By the numbers:
• $32M budget supports all five schools
• Among the lowest per-pupil spending in Vermont
• Estimated equalized tax rate: $1.2955 (down 5¢ from last year)
What this means:
• 62% of taxpayers pay based on income sensitivity—many may pay less than property-based estimates
• Local tax trends continue to differ from statewide headlines
📍 Informational Meeting: March 30 | 6:30 PM | FHUMHS Band Room
🗳 Budget Revote: March 31, 2026
For even more detailed information, visit www.slatevalleyunified.org
As we approach the FY27 budget revote on March 31, 2026, here are a few key highlights:
• Education spending (budget less local revenue) increase: just 0.86%
• Per-pupil increase (2.7%) is due to declining enrollment—not new spending
• No estimated tax rate increases at or above 7%
• Estimated decreases in our largest towns:
Castleton: –3.44% | Fair Haven: –0.56%
By the numbers:
• $32M budget supports all five schools
• Among the lowest per-pupil spending in Vermont
• Estimated equalized tax rate: $1.2955 (down 5¢ from last year)
What this means:
• 62% of taxpayers pay based on income sensitivity—many may pay less than property-based estimates
• Local tax trends continue to differ from statewide headlines
📍 Informational Meeting: March 30 | 6:30 PM | FHUMHS Band Room
🗳 Budget Revote: March 31, 2026
For even more detailed information, visit www.slatevalleyunified.org
🏀 Slate Valley Celtics 5/6 Boys – Tournament Success! 🏀
On Friday, March 20, our Slate Valley Celtics 5/6 Boys team earned an impressive 2nd place finish at the Glodzik Tournament in West Rutland! 👏
Team members included:
Brody Kendall, Sire Beayon, Grant Bixby, Frankie McKeighan, Waylon Hutchins, Griffith Bowen, Logan Vadnais, and Maverick Pope.
A special congratulations to Brody Kendall (FHGS) and Frankie McKeighan (BVS) for being named to the All-Tournament Team—an honor recognizing standout players from across all teams! 🌟
From their coach:
“I am thrilled and proud to share that Brody and Frankie have been selected for the All-Tourney Players Team! At this age, there are so many distractions and challenges every day, yet these boys consistently show up, stay determined, and find ways to make things happen. It has been such a pleasure to watch them grow, not only in their basketball skills over the years but also in accountability and their willingness to help younger players. Their leadership and perseverance truly exemplify their hard work and dedication.”
We also want to recognize Tenley Rice (FHGS) for being selected to the Girls All-Tournament Team—an outstanding accomplishment! 👏
Great job to all of our athletes for representing Slate Valley with pride!
On Friday, March 20, our Slate Valley Celtics 5/6 Boys team earned an impressive 2nd place finish at the Glodzik Tournament in West Rutland! 👏
Team members included:
Brody Kendall, Sire Beayon, Grant Bixby, Frankie McKeighan, Waylon Hutchins, Griffith Bowen, Logan Vadnais, and Maverick Pope.
A special congratulations to Brody Kendall (FHGS) and Frankie McKeighan (BVS) for being named to the All-Tournament Team—an honor recognizing standout players from across all teams! 🌟
From their coach:
“I am thrilled and proud to share that Brody and Frankie have been selected for the All-Tourney Players Team! At this age, there are so many distractions and challenges every day, yet these boys consistently show up, stay determined, and find ways to make things happen. It has been such a pleasure to watch them grow, not only in their basketball skills over the years but also in accountability and their willingness to help younger players. Their leadership and perseverance truly exemplify their hard work and dedication.”
We also want to recognize Tenley Rice (FHGS) for being selected to the Girls All-Tournament Team—an outstanding accomplishment! 👏
Great job to all of our athletes for representing Slate Valley with pride!
Board Meeting - Tonight - March 23, 2026
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/iqn-ovgq-etb
Or dial: (US) +1 304-935-5224 PIN: 665 218 411#
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.
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/iqn-ovgq-etb
Or dial: (US) +1 304-935-5224 PIN: 665 218 411#
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.
Reminder: The Slate Valley Unified USD budget re-vote is coming up on March 31.
A second proposed budget information meeting will be held on Monday, March 30 at 6:30 PM in the FHUMHS Band Room—an opportunity to learn more about the updates and ask questions.
Be sure to review the changes, check your polling location, and make your voice heard. Every vote matters!
Find more information at: https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/fy27-budget
A second proposed budget information meeting will be held on Monday, March 30 at 6:30 PM in the FHUMHS Band Room—an opportunity to learn more about the updates and ask questions.
Be sure to review the changes, check your polling location, and make your voice heard. Every vote matters!
Find more information at: https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/fy27-budget
District Newsletter: March 20, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/fcbd84a59439/spring-into-action-slate-valley-district-news
https://mailchi.mp/fcbd84a59439/spring-into-action-slate-valley-district-news
🎉 Happy Birthday, Mrs. Infurna! 🎉
Our first grade students shared a very special moment celebrating Mrs. Infurna by singing “Happy Birthday” to her this morning! 🎶💛
The smiles, excitement, and joy filled the room as students gathered to make her day extra special.
We hope you have a wonderful birthday, Mrs. Infurna! 🎂
Our first grade students shared a very special moment celebrating Mrs. Infurna by singing “Happy Birthday” to her this morning! 🎶💛
The smiles, excitement, and joy filled the room as students gathered to make her day extra special.
We hope you have a wonderful birthday, Mrs. Infurna! 🎂
📚💙 Building connections through reading 💙📚
FHUHS students from our Student Athletic Leadership group and National Honor Society recently spent time as Reading Buddies with Mrs. Mingo’s first grade class at Fair Haven Grade School—and the impact goes far beyond the books.
From sharing stories to laughing together, these visits create meaningful connections between our youngest learners and their high school mentors. Our soon-to-be Slaters truly look up to their older peers, and the opportunity to read, talk, and simply spend time together is something they value deeply.
Moments like these remind us that learning isn’t just academic—it's about relationships, confidence, and belonging. The power of a positive role model and a little extra attention is truly priceless.
We’re excited that this group will return for two more visits before the end of the school year!
FHUHS students from our Student Athletic Leadership group and National Honor Society recently spent time as Reading Buddies with Mrs. Mingo’s first grade class at Fair Haven Grade School—and the impact goes far beyond the books.
From sharing stories to laughing together, these visits create meaningful connections between our youngest learners and their high school mentors. Our soon-to-be Slaters truly look up to their older peers, and the opportunity to read, talk, and simply spend time together is something they value deeply.
Moments like these remind us that learning isn’t just academic—it's about relationships, confidence, and belonging. The power of a positive role model and a little extra attention is truly priceless.
We’re excited that this group will return for two more visits before the end of the school year!
📚✨ Learning in action with Ms. Bessette! ✨📚
Students have been building their reading and problem-solving skills through engaging, hands-on activities. One group took on a fun twist—playing Twister while practicing heart words, combining movement and literacy in a creative way!
Another activity had students participating in a scavenger hunt, where they solved problems tailored to their skill groups in reading or math.
Students have been building their reading and problem-solving skills through engaging, hands-on activities. One group took on a fun twist—playing Twister while practicing heart words, combining movement and literacy in a creative way!
Another activity had students participating in a scavenger hunt, where they solved problems tailored to their skill groups in reading or math.
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
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
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.
📅 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.
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.
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.
⚾🥎👟 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
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
REMINDER: Tonight - 6:00 PM - Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Library
Please join the conversation!
Please join the conversation!
Slate Valley District Newsletter: March 13, 2026 https://mailchi.mp/d3800efaec74/slate-valley-district-news-march-13-update
🎤🎸 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.
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.
📢 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
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
🎨 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! 🎨
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! 🎨
⚾🥎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!
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!
📣 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.
🐾📚 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!
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!
