Presidents Corner

Governor Elect Peter Shumlin,

This is the third year that I've been a student of the Vermont State Colleges system. I've served in a variety of leadership roles and have had the opportunity to see each college and the specific programs that they offer. I have also had the opportunity to witness the various extracurricular activities that each campus has, and let me tell you that I'm impressed and honored to be part of this system.

This upcoming year, is an important and crucial year for the VSC as our appropriated stimulus money has run out, and there is much uncertainty as to where the legislature will appropriate funds. Each year, within the state appropriations budget there is far more emphasis on the K-12 budget, rather than the state higher education budget. During your campaign, you made a promise of universal preschool. I respectfully disagree with your promise, because there should be a greater emphasis put on the higher education here in Vermont. I am asking you to consider increasing funding to the VSC.

What is our largest export as a state? The clear cut answer is our young people. They are finding opportunities elsewhere and are leaving the Green Mountain State with their potential paychecks and ideas in their back pocket. We rank almost last in high education spending throughout the entire country, while our K-12 ranks in the top ten. It is time for a recommitment to higher education and I hope that you consider an increase in appropriations.

Respectfully,

John Whitman Kleinhans

Student Body President

Lyndon State College