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
We are so proud of our Fair Haven drama students for their performances at the Vermont Drama Council Regional Festival this weekend! 🎭👏
Our cast delivered outstanding performances on both Friday and Saturday. While we did not place in the top two and will not be advancing to the state festival, our students truly shined on stage.
The group was honored with a Cast Award for Comedic Energy around a gravy boat, recognizing their creativity, timing, and teamwork.
We also celebrate three students for their individual acting achievements:
✨ Burton Pelletier as Audience Member
✨ Shira Hertzberg as Carrie
✨ James Shorey as Ralph
A special congratulations to James Shorey, who was named to the All-Star Cast and will perform at the state festival this year—an incredible honor!
A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Muller, who leads this talented group and supports our students every step of the way. We are so proud of all involved!
Our cast delivered outstanding performances on both Friday and Saturday. While we did not place in the top two and will not be advancing to the state festival, our students truly shined on stage.
The group was honored with a Cast Award for Comedic Energy around a gravy boat, recognizing their creativity, timing, and teamwork.
We also celebrate three students for their individual acting achievements:
✨ Burton Pelletier as Audience Member
✨ Shira Hertzberg as Carrie
✨ James Shorey as Ralph
A special congratulations to James Shorey, who was named to the All-Star Cast and will perform at the state festival this year—an incredible honor!
A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Muller, who leads this talented group and supports our students every step of the way. We are so proud of all involved!
FHUMS Newsletter: March 23, 2026 https://app.smore.com/n/t459r
Off-season Cheer conditioning starts soon! 📣✨
This is the perfect opportunity to build strength, sharpen skills, and get a head start before the regular season begins❗️
Whether you’re already part of the team or interested in cheer but want to grow your skills first, this is for you❗
Open to grades 7–12 for the 2026/2027 academic year, so don’t wait—be sure to fill out the Cheer Interest Form to get started. Let’s put in the work now and shine later! 💪🎀
Link to Fall Cheer Interest Form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc7tvX_UuE20GTJrB0Gy0bxAN9F9erQxhQjZllh7ASZ6_nG5w/viewform?usp=header
This is the perfect opportunity to build strength, sharpen skills, and get a head start before the regular season begins❗️
Whether you’re already part of the team or interested in cheer but want to grow your skills first, this is for you❗
Open to grades 7–12 for the 2026/2027 academic year, so don’t wait—be sure to fill out the Cheer Interest Form to get started. Let’s put in the work now and shine later! 💪🎀
Link to Fall Cheer Interest Form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc7tvX_UuE20GTJrB0Gy0bxAN9F9erQxhQjZllh7ASZ6_nG5w/viewform?usp=header
📣 Date Change Announcement 📣
Please note an important update for the Diane Flood Memorial Basketball Game 🏀💗
The event has been rescheduled:
➡️ NEW DATE: April 9, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Fair Haven Union High School Gymnasium
Join us as seniors take on staff in this meaningful game hosted by the FHU Student Council. Proceeds will fund a scholarship in Diane’s name—making this a special night of community, remembrance, and support.
🎟 Tickets:
Students/Seniors: $3
Adults: $5
We hope to see you there!
Please note an important update for the Diane Flood Memorial Basketball Game 🏀💗
The event has been rescheduled:
➡️ NEW DATE: April 9, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Fair Haven Union High School Gymnasium
Join us as seniors take on staff in this meaningful game hosted by the FHU Student Council. Proceeds will fund a scholarship in Diane’s name—making this a special night of community, remembrance, and support.
🎟 Tickets:
Students/Seniors: $3
Adults: $5
We hope to see you there!
FHU Newsletter: March 20, 2026 https://app.smore.com/n/zaf2q
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
🏆 Winter Athletics 2025–26 Post Season Recognitions 🏆
We are proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our Slater student-athletes this winter season! From league honors to state-level success, our athletes have represented Slater Nation with dedication, talent, and pride.
🏀 Girls Basketball
SVL First Team: Victoria Kelly, Audrey Perry
SVL Second Team: Quinn Murphy
VBCA Senior All-Star: Victoria Kelly
D2 Outstanding Underclassmen: Audrey Perry, Quinn Murphy
🏀 Boys Basketball
SVL First Team: Andrew Barker, Sam Kyhill
SVL Second Team: Jon Roberts
Coach of the Year: Luke Vadnais
VBCA Senior All-Star: Andrew Barker
D2 Outstanding Underclassmen: Sam Kyhill, Rowan Lincoln
🎳 Bowling
2026 Vermont Team State Champions!
Individual State Champion: Aiden Goyette
SVL First Team: Aiden Goyette, George Stamp, Madison Stamp
SVL Second Team: Eli Donaldson
🤼 Wrestling
SVL First Team: Anthony Szabo
SVL Second Team: Cole Beldon, Logan Knipes, Jacob Jamieson
Anthony Szabo – 2nd Place at VT State Championships (132 lbs)
Cole Beldon – 3rd Place at VT State Championships (138 lbs)
👟Indoor Track & Field
Shane Raetz – 3rd Place at VT State Championships (55M), PR at New England Championships (6.70)
Owen Knapp – 3rd Place at VT State Championships (1000M)
Congratulations to all of our athletes and coaches on an incredible winter season! 👏💙
We are proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our Slater student-athletes this winter season! From league honors to state-level success, our athletes have represented Slater Nation with dedication, talent, and pride.
🏀 Girls Basketball
SVL First Team: Victoria Kelly, Audrey Perry
SVL Second Team: Quinn Murphy
VBCA Senior All-Star: Victoria Kelly
D2 Outstanding Underclassmen: Audrey Perry, Quinn Murphy
🏀 Boys Basketball
SVL First Team: Andrew Barker, Sam Kyhill
SVL Second Team: Jon Roberts
Coach of the Year: Luke Vadnais
VBCA Senior All-Star: Andrew Barker
D2 Outstanding Underclassmen: Sam Kyhill, Rowan Lincoln
🎳 Bowling
2026 Vermont Team State Champions!
Individual State Champion: Aiden Goyette
SVL First Team: Aiden Goyette, George Stamp, Madison Stamp
SVL Second Team: Eli Donaldson
🤼 Wrestling
SVL First Team: Anthony Szabo
SVL Second Team: Cole Beldon, Logan Knipes, Jacob Jamieson
Anthony Szabo – 2nd Place at VT State Championships (132 lbs)
Cole Beldon – 3rd Place at VT State Championships (138 lbs)
👟Indoor Track & Field
Shane Raetz – 3rd Place at VT State Championships (55M), PR at New England Championships (6.70)
Owen Knapp – 3rd Place at VT State Championships (1000M)
Congratulations to all of our athletes and coaches on an incredible winter season! 👏💙
🎭 Break a leg, Slaters! 🎭
This morning, our talented Slater Drama students performed for their peers as a final dress rehearsal in preparation for this weekend’s Regional One-Act Festival at Long Trail School.
They will take the stage tomorrow (Saturday, March 21st) at 3:30 PM with their performance of “We’re Not Making This Play Up As We Go – Honest.”
We encourage our community to come out, support, and cheer on these incredible student performers as they represent Slater Nation on the regional stage. Your support means so much—let’s fill the seats and show them how proud we are! 👏
🏀 Slate Valley Launches Unified Sports! 🏀
We are excited to introduce Unified Sports Basketball at Fair Haven Union High School this spring! This incredible program brings students with and without disabilities together on the same team—building skills, friendships, and a strong sense of community.
Led by Assistant Principal of Student Services Margaret Hayward, this passion project is already making an impact, with students showing enthusiasm, teamwork, and pride on the court.
A huge thank you to the Rutland Elks Lodge #345 and Carolyn Ravenna for helping make this program possible, as well as our dedicated staff and coaches supporting our athletes every step of the way.
📣 Come cheer on our newest Slater team this season—we can’t wait to see you there!
We are excited to introduce Unified Sports Basketball at Fair Haven Union High School this spring! This incredible program brings students with and without disabilities together on the same team—building skills, friendships, and a strong sense of community.
Led by Assistant Principal of Student Services Margaret Hayward, this passion project is already making an impact, with students showing enthusiasm, teamwork, and pride on the court.
A huge thank you to the Rutland Elks Lodge #345 and Carolyn Ravenna for helping make this program possible, as well as our dedicated staff and coaches supporting our athletes every step of the way.
📣 Come cheer on our newest Slater team this season—we can’t wait to see you there!
Slater Junior Chloe Marsden is pictured presenting at the Vermont Athletic Directors’ Annual Conference in South Burlington earlier this week—an incredible honor and leadership opportunity!
Chloe is a member of the statewide Student-Athlete Leadership Team (SALT), a group of 85 student-athletes from across Vermont dedicated to strengthening the student-athlete experience. During the conference, SALT presented to athletic directors on key topics impacting today’s athletes, including mental health and well-being, supporting injured athletes, time management, performance anxiety, stress management, and building positive relationships with peers, teammates, and coaches.
Now in its second year, SALT is helping shape the future of Vermont athletics by serving as a vital bridge between students, schools, and athletic leaders across the state.
Congratulations, Chloe—and thank you for representing Slater Nation with such professionalism, insight, and pride!
Chloe is a member of the statewide Student-Athlete Leadership Team (SALT), a group of 85 student-athletes from across Vermont dedicated to strengthening the student-athlete experience. During the conference, SALT presented to athletic directors on key topics impacting today’s athletes, including mental health and well-being, supporting injured athletes, time management, performance anxiety, stress management, and building positive relationships with peers, teammates, and coaches.
Now in its second year, SALT is helping shape the future of Vermont athletics by serving as a vital bridge between students, schools, and athletic leaders across the state.
Congratulations, Chloe—and thank you for representing Slater Nation with such professionalism, insight, and pride!
🏀💙 Building excitement for Unified Basketball! 💙🏀
In anticipation of the launch of our new Unified Basketball Team, administrators, faculty, and staff—along with coaches Nate Morris and Eric Ramey—proudly sported the team’s new jerseys to help build excitement across the school community.
This show of support highlights the inclusive spirit of Unified Sports and the enthusiasm surrounding the upcoming season. We can’t wait to cheer on our team and celebrate all that this program represents for our students! 💙
In anticipation of the launch of our new Unified Basketball Team, administrators, faculty, and staff—along with coaches Nate Morris and Eric Ramey—proudly sported the team’s new jerseys to help build excitement across the school community.
This show of support highlights the inclusive spirit of Unified Sports and the enthusiasm surrounding the upcoming season. We can’t wait to cheer on our team and celebrate all that this program represents for our students! 💙
📚💙 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!
This Week's Spring Football Practice Schedule
🏀💗 Join us for the Diane Flood Memorial Basketball Game 💗🏀
Come out to support a special evening honoring Diane Flood while cheering on a fun matchup of Senior vs. Staff!
This meaningful event, organized by the FHU Student Council, helps fund a scholarship in Diane’s name.
📅 Date: March 25, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Fair Haven High School Gymnasium
💲 Ticket Prices:
Students/Seniors: $3
Adults: $5
Let’s pack the gym, celebrate together, and support a great cause! 💕
Come out to support a special evening honoring Diane Flood while cheering on a fun matchup of Senior vs. Staff!
This meaningful event, organized by the FHU Student Council, helps fund a scholarship in Diane’s name.
📅 Date: March 25, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Fair Haven High School Gymnasium
💲 Ticket Prices:
Students/Seniors: $3
Adults: $5
Let’s pack the gym, celebrate together, and support a great cause! 💕
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
🎨🎶🥞 Join us for BEAT – Breakfast, Entertainment, Art & Tunes! 🥞🎶🎨
Mark your calendars for Friday, April 3rd from 6:30–8:30 PM for a fun-filled evening event—yes, it’s Breakfast for Dinner! 🌙🍳
Enjoy a night of:
🎶 Live Music
🥞 Pancake Breakfast
🎨 Art & Craft Sale
🎯 Mini Games & Prizes
🍰 Desserts
💲 Entry is FREE
🥞 Pancake Breakfast: $10
🎨 Games, art, and extra desserts: Prices vary
Bring your friends and family for a great night of food, fun, and creativity!
📩 To reserve seats for the pancake breakfast, contact:
Samantha Adams – sadams@svuvt.org
Mark your calendars for Friday, April 3rd from 6:30–8:30 PM for a fun-filled evening event—yes, it’s Breakfast for Dinner! 🌙🍳
Enjoy a night of:
🎶 Live Music
🥞 Pancake Breakfast
🎨 Art & Craft Sale
🎯 Mini Games & Prizes
🍰 Desserts
💲 Entry is FREE
🥞 Pancake Breakfast: $10
🎨 Games, art, and extra desserts: Prices vary
Bring your friends and family for a great night of food, fun, and creativity!
📩 To reserve seats for the pancake breakfast, contact:
Samantha Adams – sadams@svuvt.org
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.
