By Marisa Dawson
The Bennington Public Schools Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, December 8, 2025, with a full agenda focused on planning for continued growth, approving key purchases, and moving forward on the new high school project.
Administrators from every level (elementary, middle school, high school, Student Services, Operations, Curriculum & Assessment, and the Superintendent’s office) presented updates and reports. A special spotlight was given to the district’s Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and how they drive ongoing improvement for students and staff. All presentations are attached to the official agenda, which can be viewed here: https://meeting.sparqdata.com/Public/Agenda/bennington…
Superintendent Dr. Aaron Plas delivered his monthly update, touching on demographics and boundary-line analysis, mascot and color updates for the future second high school, the work of the School Finance Review Commission, the upcoming legislative session, current housing counts, the annual report, buildings closed under the moratorium and snow-day procedures.
In curriculum and personnel news, the Board approved several prioritized proposals for the 2026-27 school year after careful review by both the Curriculum Committee and administrative leadership. Earlier this fall the Board had already approved 4.0 FTE teaching positions triggered by enrollment growth, with much of the cost offset by special education reimbursements and reassignments.
The Board also green-lit several financial and operational items, including:
– Up to $150,000 in spending authority for buses/vans when favorable auction opportunities arise
– The first phase of 2026-27 technology purchases totaling $314,880 (coming in $185,120 under budget)
– A new three-year HVAC service agreement with Cerris that saves the district more than $20,000 compared to the prior contract
One Bennington High School student’s request for early graduation was unanimously approved after the student met all handbook requirements and is on track to complete coursework this semester.
Finally, the Board received an update on the second high school bond project and approved the latest bid package totaling $9,548,970 ($131,985 below the pre-construction estimate). With these awards, approximately 31% of the project’s construction bids are now locked in.
The next regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for January 12, 2026. As always, thank you to our administrators, staff, and board members for their continued work on behalf of Bennington students! 
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Special thanks to Stacy Hawn with Bennington Public Schools for sharing notes and charts!
