Vermont school districts are committed to safe and healthy learning environments. However, the PCB testing and remediation initiative has become one of the most significant underfunded mandates facing schools in recent years. Districts have been required to implement a complex environmental and public health program without sufficient funding, clear guidance, or operational support necessary to carry it out effectively. (Full Letter)

In recognition of the Committee’s interest in moving H.650 forward, the Vermont Agency of Education, the Vermont Superintendents Association, the Vermont Principals Association, the Vermont NEA, and the Vermont School Boards Association collaborated to develop alternative language that we believe reflects both the Committee’s policy intent and the on-the-ground realities in Vermont schools. The alternative language builds upon best practices already in place to protect student privacy and allows the Agency to work with the field to create more consistency and guardrails around the integration of education technology in the classroom. (View Full Letter)

On behalf of the Vermont School Boards Association, the Vermont Superintendents Association, the Vermont Principals’ Association, and the Vermont Association of School Business Officials, we write to express concerns we have regarding the current version of H.949 and present some thoughts for your consideration. (Full Statement)

Dear Vermont State Board of Education Subcommittee,

Thank you for your invitation to the Vermont Principals’ Association (VPA) to help provide school leader’s perspectives as you consider adopting statewide graduation requirements. (full written comments)

“In terms of the bill S. 239 that passed the Senate, my testimony today is about protecting children/students in our schools and making sure school employees know what they can and cannot do. ” (full written testimony)

“Our testimony on this issue is consistent with testimony that we have delivered in both Senate and House Judiciary Committees this session. We appreciate the General Assembly seeking to provide any legal protections possible to protect our students as well as any school employees that may be vulnerable through their own immigration status or even perceived immigration status.” (read full written testimony)

In terms of the bill S. 209 that passed the Senate, my testimony today is about protecting children/students in our schools and making sure school employees know what they can and cannot do. (Full Written Testimony)

On behalf of the Vermont School Boards Association (VSBA), the Vermont Principals Association (VPA), and the Vermont Superintendents Association (VSA), thank you for the opportunity to testify on draft bill 26-0802, an act related to the provision of publicly funded prekindergarten education.

Full Written Testimony

VPA School Leaders of the Year Awards Announcement:

The Vermont Principals’ Association (VPA) is pleased to announce the 2026-2027 School Leaders of the Year recipients. These leaders will be honored at the VPA Leadership Academy awards banquet on August 5, 2026.vThe honorees were selected by the VPA Executive Council from written submissions to the VPA.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals Vermont Assistant Principal of the Year is Karyn Stannard . Ms. Stannard is the Assistant Principal at Mill River Union High School in North Clarendon.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals Vermont High School Principal of the Year is  Jason Gingold. Mr. Gingold is the principal of Montpelier High School.

The Robert F. Pierce Vermont High School Principal of the Year is Michael Ruppel.  Mr.Ruppel is the principal of Otter Valley Union Middle High School in Brandon.

The National Association of Elementary School Principals Vermont Elementary School Principal of the Year is Thomas Walsh. Mr. Walsh is the elementary principal at Bellows Free Academy, Fairfax.

The Henry Giaguque Vermont Elementary Principal of the Year is Vernita Vallez . Ms. Vallez is the principal of Morristown Elementary in Morrisville.

The Vermont Career Center Director of the Year is Nancy Wiese. Ms. Wiese is the Director of the Windham Regional Career Center in Brattleboro. Please join us in congratulating all of these outstanding school leaders!

Dear Senate Pro Tem Baruth and Esteemed Members of the Vermont Senate, The Vermont School Boards Association, Vermont Superintendents Association, and Vermont Principals’ Association write in response to your work and vote on S.220. (Full Senate Letter) (Full House Letter)