Residents approved five school district consolidation plans around Vermont during Tuesday's Town Meeting Day voting.
Merger plans passed by wide margins in the Addison Northwest, Franklin Central, Addison Central, Orange Southwest, and Rutland South districts. The districts represent about 7,000 students.
Governor Peter Shumlin says the larger districts will be able to provide more stability and support for their small, local schools.
Vermont Public Radio reports districts that have a consolidation plan approved before July 1st get tax breaks under Act 46. The state law encourages school districts to consider merging with their neighbors for greater efficiency.
Three consolidation plans had already been approved in the Elmore-Morristown, Essex-Westford and Rutland Northeast districts. Voters will weigh in on plans for Lamoille North and Addison Rutland districts in April.
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