Then Cate set in motion a year-long conversation on the subject, conducted via a series of 30 public meetings across the state. He said he felt it was important that Vermonters discuss the issue, before he pitched any reform proposal to the legislature.

Next week, Commsr. Cate's conversation is coming to Randolph. The session will be Wednesday, May 2, 6-8:30 p.m., at the Randolph Union High School cafeteria. The public is invited.

Cate won't be there, but the facilitator-led session will include a DVD of the commissioner talking about his ideas. Following small group discussions, the evening will conclude with a wrap-up session to share ideas discussed.

The Orange Southwest Supervisory Union, host for the event, will provide refreshments.

Cate has proposed the creation of 58 supervisory districts, largely along the lines of existing supervisory unions. The current SUs, with their multiple boards, would cease to exist. Each of the new supervisory districts would include multiple schools, but have only one school board.

Cate says that his proposal addresses "concerns about the cost and quality of education, stagnant student enrollment, and a short supply of school leader candidates."

"The proposed governance model would simplify the work of all school leaders and clarify reporting responsibilities," he wrote.

This week, Laura Soares, a member of the Randolph Elementary and OSSU boards, as well as a member-at-large of the Vermont School Boards Association, said she hoped for a large turnout at next week's meeting.

"I think it's a very important conversation to have," she said. "I don't think anybody would design it (the governance system) as it is--it has evolved and has lots of quirks."

However, Soares argued that the best starting point for the conversation ought to be what system would best serve students.

Any system established, she feels, ought to ensure unified oversight for students' K-12 education. That's been a priority at OSSU, which, despite its multiple boards, has worked on unified policies, procedures, and mission statements.

"We're about as close to operating as a system as can be with multiple boards," said Soares. She noted that OSSU's successes rely on "the talent of administrators and the good will of the boards."

For the record, OSSU has:

As Commsr. Cate points out, that means that Supt. Brent Kay has six bosses.

The series of public meetings on school governance will conclude this month. According to a release from the commissioner's office, a detailed report on Vermonters' opinions will be drafted and will "inform the commissioner's recommendations to the state board, the legislature and the governor."

More information is at the department's web page, http://education.vermont.gov/new/html/dept/governance.html. This site links to the commissioner's white paper, a two-page primer on Vermont's education governance system, and other resources.