"This booklet was first published by Vermonters for Better Education and has now been updated by EdWatch Vermont for the current needs of towns dealing with Act 153. This guidebook is to help school boards, citizens, and parents understand the steps necessary on the road to going independent. It is important for readers to know, however, that this booklet is just a guide, not a legal handbook with all the answers. If going independent is in your school’s future, you should consult the Vermont Department of Education yourself for information, and use the services of legal experts and/or consultants to help you through the hurdles that you will surely encounter."