Scott says reducing school staff could prevent tax increase

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - Vermont’s governor is eyeing a proposal to reduce school staffing levels in order to avoid a projected property tax increase.

Vermont Public Radio reports that Republican Gov. Phil Scott is considering mandating higher student-to-staff ratios.

Scott says the state currently has about four students for every school staff member. He says raising that ratio to 5-to-1 could save $100 million.

Last week, Scott’s administration said a 9-cent property tax increase would be needed to cover proposed school budgets next year.

The state’s teachers union says local schools should determine their own staffing levels.