Delaying Act 173
Mathew Forest (Director of Special Services, Saint Johnsbury Academy) joined the Senate Education Committee on Friday. Chairman Campion asked specifically about testimony they had on Act 173; a proposal to postpone implementation is out there.
Read moreVermont Independent Schools Association
On Friday, Drew Gradinger (President, Vermont Independent Schools Association) and CJ Spirito (Head of School, Rock Point School) joined the Senate Education Committee to talk about their organization. Spirito introduced himself and spoke about the needs and gifts of the students he serves. He spoke about the significant impact on lives, alumni and families from his small student body.
Read moreTossing the State Board of Education?
Jennifer Samuelson (Chair, Vermont State Board of Education) joined the Senate Education Committee on Thursday. Chairman Campion explained the reason for having her in was to see what the Board needs and what would be helpful. He also wanted some feedback on a House bill intended to merge the State Board of Education (SBE) into the Agency of Education (AOE).
Read moreSt Johnsbury Academy Impresses Senators
Sharon Howell (the headmaster) introduced herself and Saint Johnsbury Academy (SJA) to the Senate Education Committee on Friday. Her background started in higher education before she moved into preparatory schools. She has worked for several prestigious schools and said that the faculty ant SJA is the “most professional and thoughtful of all of them” and that “it is a minor miracle that St Johnsbury academy exists, and it exists where it does… and we take all students. The only qualification is that they are not a danger to themselves or others.” SJA has both a boarding school and a day school, which local students attend through the public tuitioning program. Amazingly, 71% of students in the district are on free or reduced lunch (one of the ways policy makers measure poverty in a given school) and they that have access to world class education and attend classes with students from 17 different countries.
Read moreVermont Principals Weigh in on Teacher Evaluations
The Senate Education Committee heard Jay Nichols (Executive Director, Vermont Principals' Association) on Friday afternoon. Chairman Campion introduced Nichols and reiterated they are looking for general description of the typical process in use around Vermont.
Read moreVermont School Boards Association Shares 2023 Priorities
On Wednesday, the Senate Education Committee heard from the Vermont School Boards Association (VSBA) about their priorities for the 2023 legislative session.
Prior to the discussion, Senator Hashim pointed to availability of teachers, healthcare, and incentives for people to enter the trades as areas of concern for him.
He is also favorable towards universal school meals, civics education, and matched savings plans for students. Chairman Campion favors public-private partnerships in policy areas like these.
Senator Weeks would like to focus on financial literacy and pensions issues.
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