Vt. Gubernatorial Candidates Debate Education

Five Democratic candidates for governor discussed the state's educational policy at a debate Monday evening at the University of Vermont.

Each candidate had 10 minutes to talk about any issues they feel are important.  That led to a wide variety of issues and solutions, but here are some key points from each of the candidates there:

State Senator Pro Tem Peter Shumlin believes early education is one key to success.

"As governor, I will work in a partnership with you, to make Vermont a leader in early-childhood education," said Shumlin.

State Senator Susan Bartlett feels that consolidating school districts will improve the quality of education.

"I don't want to consolidate to save money. I want to consolidate to provide better educational opportunities to all of our students," said Bartlett.

State Senator Doug Racine is against consolidation and would rather see the power stay local.

"Consolidation is often mentioned as a solution. I don't think consolidation will save that much, I think it's a panacea. I think it's something people talk about because it seems like an easy answer," said Racine.

Secretary of State Deb Markowitz feels the current 20% drop-out rate must be improved.

"As we've got a shrinking demographic, we need each one of our children to graduate with a career," said Markowitz.

Former State Senator Matt Dunne wants to see more opportunities for higher education.

"Any Vermonter who graduates from a Vermont high school, who goes to one of our extraordinary in-state institutions of higher learning, and commits two years to national service will graduate debt free," said Dunne.

Incumbent Republican lieutenant governor, Brian Dubie, who is also in the race, did not attend