Superintendent Updates

Dear ANWSD Families & Caregivers,

I want to take a moment to address recent federal communications regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in public schools and what it means for Addison Northwest School District (ANWSD). While federal guidance continues to evolve, our district remains committed to creating a school environment where every student and staff member feels respected, valued, and supported.

The U.S. Department of Education recently released an FAQ clarifying aspects of DEI and Title VI in response to the February 14 "Dear Colleague" letter. It reaffirms that schools must uphold anti-discrimination laws while also acknowledging that instructional decisions remain under local and state control. Additionally, a webform has been introduced for reporting potential violations of federal civil rights laws in schools that receive federal funding.

Vermont’s Agency of Education (AOE) has advised schools to continue moving forward with professional development and curriculum plans that align with state standards and local district priorities. Our approach at ANWSD is rooted in these guidelines, ensuring that our instructional practices meet both state and federal requirements while fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.

We want to be clear—our district’s commitment to equity and inclusion has not changed. We will continue to provide students with diverse learning experiences that help prepare them for success in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world. Our curriculum remains grounded in state-approved frameworks and best educational practices.

We understand that there may be questions about how this federal guidance could impact our schools. As we receive further updates, we will share relevant information with our community. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out with any concerns or questions.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students and schools.

Sincerely,

Sheila Soule
Superintendent Addison Northwest School District 

February is School Board Appreciation Month, and I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible dedication of our Addison Northwest School District Board members. They are deeply dedicated to our students through their service and work hard to be sure that our schools are the very best they can be. 

Did you know each month, our board members:

✔️ Attend two board meetings per month
✔️ Serve on multiple committees, which meet regularly throughout the year
✔️ Study and prepare between meetings, reviewing reports, policies, and pressing issues
✔️ Engage with local select boards, community members, and legislators, ensuring our district’s voice is heard at all levels

This amounts to dozens of volunteer hours each month—all in service of making informed decisions that shape the future of our schools. Their leadership and advocacy help sustain and strengthen our district, and we are deeply grateful for their dedication.

Please join us in thanking our school board members for their time, energy, and commitment to our students and community. If you see a board member this month, take a moment to express your appreciation!

From left to right: Front Row: Chrystal Little, Nikki Bearor, Erica Andrus, Quincy Sabic (student rep) Back Row: Chris Kayhart, Kristina MacKulin, Mimi Clark, Mark Koenig, John Stroup, Michael Kane, Grey Fearon (student rep). Not pictured: Martha DeGraaf, Amy Kittredge, Carole McBride

This month, we proudly honor the incredible contributions, resilience, and rich history of the Black community. Black History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements and milestones of Black individuals throughout history while also recognizing the ongoing work needed to build a more inclusive and equitable future.

At Addison Northwest School District, our vision is to foster a kind, collaborative, and creative community for all—one that nurtures a diverse and accessible learning environment. As we reflect on Black history, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring all students flourish as critical thinkers and productive citizens, cultivating resilience in an ever-changing world.

Let’s continue to learn, grow, and support one another as we celebrate the strength, culture, and impact of Black individuals—this month and every month.

I’m pleased to share that the proposed FY26 budget has been finalized and is ready for voter consideration. This budget reflects our district’s continued commitment to balancing fiscal responsibility with ensuring excellent educational opportunities for all students.

Here are some key highlights of the approved budget:

• Total Budget: $27,653,000, representing a modest 1.48% increase from FY25.
• Per-Pupil Spending: $15,152.76, remaining below the state’s excess spending threshold.
• Investments in Students: The budget maintains our current academic programs, supports targeted interventions, fosters social-emotional learning, and ensures inclusivity across all grades.
• Tax Impacts: The average homestead tax rate is estimated to decrease by 9.19%, helping ease the tax burden on our community while maintaining robust educational programming.

Annual Meeting and Informational Meeting
To learn more about the finalized budget and how it supports our schools, please join us for the Annual Meeting and Informational Meeting on Monday, March 3, at 5:00 PM. This is your opportunity to hear about the details, ask questions, and prepare for Town Meeting Day on March 4.

Your participation is essential as we move forward together in shaping the future of our schools.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our students. Please feel free to reach out with any questions about the budget or upcoming meetings.

 

We invite you to attend the Addison Northwest School District Board meeting on Monday at 6:00 PM in the library or via Zoom (link below). The board will review FY26 Budget Draft #4, with plans to approve the budget at the January 22 meeting.

Highlights of the proposed budget:

• Total Budget: $27,661,300 (a 1.51% increase from FY25).
• Key Priorities: Maintaining all educational offerings, narrowing achievement gaps, and supporting social-emotional development.
• Tax Impact: If approved, this budget is expected to result in a decrease in homestead tax rates, ranging from 1.58% to 7.87%.

Your participation matters as we finalize decisions that impact our schools and community.

Zoom Link: https://tinyurl.com/ANWSDBoard25
Password: ANWSD

We hope to see you there!

Check out the ANWSD Budget Page for more information