Fairfax and Fletcher will be allowed to explore a merger of their school districts under Vermont's Act 153 as the result of a vote Tuesday by the Vermont Education Board. Members voted 5-0 to approve a waiver allowing the communities to proceed with the process to create a regional education district and qualify for tax incentives and other assistance.
Under the law, forming districts are supposed to number at least four or have 1,250 students in the aggregate to apply for Act 153 merger incentives. The law allows waivers under certain circumstances. Tuesday's was the first waiver granted by the board.