Education is a cornerstone of our society, shaping the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and citizens. In Vermont’s public schools, spanning pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, the partnership between educators and parents is vital. As the primary advocates for their children, parents deserve a voice in shaping the policies and practices that affect their families. This article is a call to action: advocating for parents’ rights in education to ensure transparency, collaboration, and a system that truly serves every child.

The current landscape of education in Vermont has a proud tradition of valuing education, but recent years have seen increasing concerns from parents about their role in the public school system. Issues like curriculum transparency, access to information, CRT/DEI-Equity woke usage, and input on school policies have taken center stage. Many parents feel that their voices are being sidelined in critical decisions about their children’s education.

While schools aim to balance diverse needs and perspectives, parental involvement is an irreplaceable element in fostering student success. It’s time to address these concerns and ensure that parents are empowered as partners, not just spectators, in the education process.

Why Parents’ rights truly matter as our child’s first and most enduring teachers. They understand their children’s unique needs, values, and aspirations better than anyone else. Recognizing and respecting parents’ rights in education is not just a courtesy; it’s essential to creating an environment where children thrive.

When parents are actively involved in their children’s education, studies show that students achieve higher grades, exhibit better behavior, and are more likely to graduate. This collaboration strengthens trust between families and schools, creating a community focused on shared goals.

Key areas for improvements;

1. Transparency in curriculum development:

Parents deserve to know what is being taught in their children’s classrooms. Clear and accessible information about curricula fosters trust and prevents misunderstandings.

• Schools should provide detailed outlines of lesson plans, especially on sensitive or controversial topics.
• Parents should be included in curriculum review committees to ensure diverse perspectives are considered.

2. Communication and feedback:

Effective communication is the foundation of a strong school-parent partnership.

• Schools should establish regular forums or town hall meetings where parents can voice concerns and ask questions.
• Surveys and feedback mechanisms should be used to gauge parental satisfaction and address areas of improvement.

3. Parental rights to review policies:

* Policies around student welfare, privacy, and educational content should reflect parental input.

* Parents should have the right to review and understand school policies, from disciplinary

procedures to health and wellness guidelines.

* Participation in school board meetings and decision-making processes should be encouraged

and facilitated.

Success stories and best actions across Vermont and the country, schools that prioritize parental involvement have seen remarkable outcomes. For example, districts that implement curriculum transparency policies and parent advisory councils report higher levels of satisfaction among families and improved student performance.

In Vermont, some communities have already begun fostering these partnerships through inclusive PTA groups and local initiatives. These success stories remind us that when parents and educators work together, students benefit the most.

A call to action is now. Advocating for parents’ rights in education is not about dividing communities—it’s about uniting them around a shared commitment to our children’s futures. Parents, educators, and policymakers must work together to create a system that values transparency, collaboration, and mutual respect.

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Attend school board meetings and share your perspective.
• Join or form a local parent advocacy group.
• Contact Vermont’s Department of Education to learn more about your rights and opportunities to engage.

Together, we can build a public school system that truly reflects the values and needs of Vermont families. Every parent deserves a seat at the table, and every child deserves an education shaped by the people who care for them most.

Gregory M. Thayer, MBA, Principal

“Vermonter for Vermont” Initiative

Rutland, Vermont