Lamoille North District Update

Lamoille North Supervisory Union l October 23, 2026

Dear Lamoille North families, staff, and community members,

As we progress through October, the days are growing shorter, the mornings are getting chillier, and the colder nights remind us that winter isn't far around the corner in northern Vermont!

It is a beautiful time of year across our Lamoille North communities, and while temperatures may be dropping, there's still plenty of activity, learning, and lots to celebrate throughout our schools!

As always, we appreciate the continued support and involvement of our families and community members. We hope you'll take a few moments to catch up on some of the latest news, updates, and happenings from across Lamoille North.

Stay warm, enjoy the remaining fall colors, and have a wonderful weekend!

Catherine Gallagher, M.Ed.
Superintendent of Schools
Lamoille North Supervisory Union

Our 2026 Lamoille North Community Survey has officially closed, and we sincerely thank the nearly 600 students, staff, parents, families, and community members who took the time to share their thoughts and perspectives!

The feedback collected provides valuable insight for our School Board and district leaders as we continue conversations about the future of our schools, our priorities, and the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Survey responses represented communities across Lamoille North, including Cambridge (23.3%), Hyde Park (22%), Johnson (16.8%), Eden (14.9%), Waterville (6.5%), and Belvidere (3.8%), with an additional 12.7% of respondents residing outside the district.

Several important themes emerged from the responses, highlighting both what our communities value about Lamoille North and where they'd like to see continued growth and improvement.

Strong relationships and supportive schools: Relationships between students and adults, school safety, and student well-being were among the most frequently identified strengths of Lamoille North. More than 200 respondents highlighted the importance of our schools' small-school and community atmosphere, reinforcing the value of personal connections and supportive learning environments.

Academic achievement and student support: Academic achievement and instruction emerged as the most frequently selected area for improvement, identified by more than half of respondents. Mental health supports, student engagement, and a sense of belonging were also prominent priorities, reflecting a desire for schools that challenge students academically while supporting their individual needs.

Preparing students for the future: Career and technical education, financial literacy, and practical life skills were recurring priorities. More than 300 respondents identified financial literacy as an important experience for students before graduation, while more than 200 emphasized career and technical education. These responses highlight the importance of helping students explore future pathways and develop skills that extend beyond the classroom.

School funding, staffing, and sustainability: Respondents also emphasized responsible financial planning, transparency, and maintaining high-quality educational opportunities amid budget challenges. These topics were particularly prominent among adult respondents, who placed greater emphasis on academic quality, staff stability, and long-term financial sustainability.

Education transformation and local decision-making: Vermont's ongoing education transformation efforts generated significant interest, particularly among adult respondents. Approximately 73% of non-student respondents reported having at least some understanding of Act 170, compared with approximately 19% of student respondents. Across the survey, participants emphasized the importance of protecting educational quality, maintaining student opportunities, and preserving meaningful community involvement in decisions about our schools.

Beyond identifying priorities, the survey also highlighted areas where additional information and clarification about our schools, programs, and operations would be helpful. In response, we're developing a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) resource that we'll share with our communities in mid-November to address common questions and provide greater insight into how our schools operate and how decisions are made.

Thank you again to everyone who participated. Your willingness to share your experiences, concerns, and perspectives helps inform important conversations and supports our continued commitment to schools that reflect and serve the communities of Lamoille North.

As winter approaches, Lamoille North wants to ensure our families receive important school communications, including weather-related closures, delays, safety notifications, and student updates.

On Friday, November 6, at 6:00 PM, we'll conduct a districtwide test of our communication system. Families can expect a test message by phone, email, Infinite Campus inbox, and text message (if activated).

We encourage all parents and guardians to take a few moments before November 6 to review their contact information in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Text messaging is a great way to receive timely updates, but families must activate this feature to receive messages.

Strong school-to-home communication is essential, and we appreciate your help in keeping our families informed, connected, and prepared! More information will be sent ahead of the November 6th system test.

We’re proud to celebrate two exceptional Lamoille North educators named 2026 Vermont Outstanding Educators!

Each year, the University of Vermont’s College of Education and Social Services, in partnership with school districts, supervisory unions, the Vermont Agency of Education, and Vermont NEA, recognizes outstanding educators statewide for their contributions to public education.

This year, Martha Thomas of Eden Central School and Lindsay Fletcher-Minor of Lamoille Union Middle School are among those being honored!

Martha, a literacy interventionist and instructional coach at Eden Central School, has dedicated 28 years to public education. Her nomination highlights her expertise, compassion, and the meaningful relationships she builds with students, families, and colleagues. Whether helping students strengthen foundational reading and writing skills or supporting fellow teachers with instructional practices, Martha’s dedication has made a lasting impact on the ECS community.

Lindsay, a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) teacher at Lamoille Union Middle School, brings learning to life through hands-on experiences that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and innovation. Her classroom combines traditional tools with modern technology, giving students opportunities to transform ideas into real-world projects. In 2023, Lindsay helped secure a $15,000 Educate Innovate Award, expanding access to advanced design and manufacturing equipment and opening new doors for students to explore technical skills and career pathways.

Martha and Lindsay will be recognized alongside outstanding educators from across Vermont at a ceremony hosted by UVM in November.

Please join us in congratulating Martha and Lindsay on this well-deserved recognition! Their dedication, creativity, and commitment to helping students succeed represent the very best of public education at Lamoille North.

We're proud to celebrate Lamoille North Director of School Nutrition Kelly Shortsleeve, who was recently honored with the David Sagi Memorial Spirit of the ADA Award during Vermont's 2026 Spirit of the ADA Awards!

Nominated by Lamoille Union High School Youth Employment Specialist Juanita Forant, Kelly was recognized for her commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where employees of all abilities can learn, develop valuable job skills, and build confidence.

From adapting workstations to providing individualized support, Kelly and her School Nutrition team continue to demonstrate the importance of recognizing each employee's strengths and giving them opportunities to succeed.

Juanita also nominated two valued LUHS employment partners, LWI Metalworks and the Morrisville Dollar Tree branch, which received recognition for their commitment to inclusive employment. The Vermont Studio Center and Smugglers' Notch Resort were also among the local honorees.

Congratulations to Kelly and all of this year's recipients! These recognitions reflect the people and partnerships making a difference for students throughout Lamoille North.

Read the full story and learn more about this year's honorees at the post below.

We're proud to share that Green Mountain Tech has received the 2026 Community Partner Award from the Lamoille Community House, celebrating the contributions of two Tech Center programs and their students!

Over the past year, students in Emily Snodgrass's Culinary Arts program have prepared meals for guests at the Lamoille Community House shelter, putting their culinary skills to work while serving community members in need.

Meanwhile, Matt Neckers and his Creative Media students have supported the organization by recording and editing its podcast, using their media production skills to share stories and information with the broader community.

In its recognition letter, Lamoille Community House expressed appreciation for both programs, highlighting the valuable role students have played in supporting the shelter and its mission.

This recognition is a wonderful example of what career and technical education is all about: giving students opportunities to develop real-world skills while making meaningful contributions to the communities around them.

Congratulations to Emily, Matt, and their students, and thank you to the Lamoille Community House for this recognition and continued partnership!

(Pictured - Current Culinary Arts students and Instructor Emily Snodgrass and Ben Turner, former Creative Media Art & Design student.)