Not that long ago, although it seems like decades, Southern Vermont College closed. I believed and still believe its death was premature. But there was no stomach among new # #leadership and most trustees for innovative ideas, restructuring and change. Instead, to avoid lawsuits (they got them anyway) and Mt Ida like situations, they caved like a deck of cheap cards. Sorry to be harsh but the mirror reflection if people look isn’t complimentary. Now the VT State Colleges are facing closure on three campuses. I have read the reports. I think death is premature. Yes to change. Yes to innovation. Yes to hard choices. Yes to reallocation of spending. The chancellor is a financial dude — former State Treasurer as I recall from my time. I get the finances. If he were an educational innovator, I suspect he’d see some pathways forward. I have reached out. No response (yet). Folks, there are ways forward. Many moons ago, I was a restructuring lawyer. The principles from Title 11 served me well and with help, SVC started truly thriving. For real. Then I left and there were changes that made no sense, administrative bloat, low enrollment (they sought better students), low low fundraising and a gift that kept on taking. I want to help if people will listen. Time is now. …see more