In 2021, the Vermont Legislature approved the Community Schools Act, which allowed five high-need rural schools to adopt the community school model.  The five pillars of this model in Vermont include: expanded and enriched learning time and opportunities, integrated student supports, active family and community engagement, collaborative leadership and practices, and safe, inclusive and equitable learning environments.  A challenge was identified early by the Vermont Agency of Education and the inaugural schools adopting the model: how do we know what approach works best for our schools?  How can we measure success?  How do we learn from models of community schools around the country? 

A new research partnership was formed between the Agency of Education, local community schools, and UVM’s College of Education and Social Services.  UVM researchers have been embedded in the schools to provide on-going research and evaluation support.  With the 2024 grant from the Leahy Institute, the research partnership supported an expansion of services at the community schools, including comprehensive physical and mental health services for students and their families.  The grant also supported professional development for educators and research opportunities for UVM students related to the community schools approach.  The partners have also been busy promoting the model as a means for building resilient rural communities across Vermont.

In 2025, the Leahy Institute is supporting ten summer interns who will be supporting  community school activities at the White River Valley School in Bethel.

“Our collaboration with the community schools team has opened doors for innovative programs like the intergenerational meals project, which are strengthening community bonds.” - Newport Town School Principal

“Our students feel seen and supported, and families have access to resources that make a tangible difference in their lives. This holistic approach has improved attendance, decreased discipline referrals, and fostered stronger relationships across our school community.” - Jason Di Giulio, Hazen Union School Principal 

Catamount Community Schools Collaborative is a partnership between UVM’s College of Education and Social Services and the Vermont Agency of Education.  They are working together to build a strong community school model through research and deep engagement with community schools.

Catamount Counseling Collaborative for Rural Schools is an interdisciplinary team that is training and placing school counselors, social workers, and clinical mental health counselors in rural Vermont schools.  

Read more about the Community Schools iniative in this story.

WCAX-TV covered the Community Schools work with this story: