A walk through of the some example existing policies in Vermont schools and the need for care consideration of the bill’s language going forward. Click here, for the full presentation and youtube video

Elevating and credentialing the early childcare profession can provide assurances, accountability, and oversight that is transparent and distinct from the professional educator license granted by the Agency of Education. This should not result in regulatory duplication, increased costs, or application to any statute or rule that currently uses the term “educator license.” (click to view full presentation and youtube)

A walk through of the some example existing policies in Vermont schools and the need for care consideration of the bill’s language going forward. Click here, for the full presentation and youtube video

My comments for this committee are around governance, scale, and opportunity for students as I believe these issues are most germane for the committee on education. My comments are related directly to H.454 as passed in the House and related considerations. Full Senate Ed Written Testimony and Link to Youtube Version, Full Senate Finance Written Testimony and Link to Youtube Version.

“I have previously testified in this committee with comments related to finance and a foundation formula. I’ll try to keep my comments focused on the recent testimony I’ve seen and the latest language and figures as they pertain to school finance. I will submit some written testimony but will spend my limited time here on what I heard related to testimony from Dr. Kolbe today.” (Full Written Testimony & Youtube)

On March 24th, the VPA welcomed 81 spellers from around the state to compete in this year’s annual Spelling Bee. We are grateful to our co-sponsor WCAX, who ran this linked great story of the event, and has the full playback available here.  “The reigning champion of the Vermont State Spelling Bee defended her title on Monday! Phoenix Newell, a student at Lyndonville’s Riverside School, won the state bee last year and she just won it again. Students from across the state in grades 1 through 8 competed at St. Michael’s College in Colchester for the chance to win a trip to represent Vermont in the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.” 

From the VPA’s perspective, the concept of a Foundation Formula is something we can certainly work with. However, as I have mentioned previously, the details really matter. View full written testimony and youtube recording of testimony here.

Principal of the Year 2025 Winners

The Executive Council of the Vermont Principals’ Association is proud to announce the 2025 Principal of the Year award winners. These outstanding school leaders will be honored at our Annual Leadership Academy on the evening of August 5, 2025 at the Killington Grand Hotel. Reminder that last year, Scott Blood, principal of Blue Mountain Elementary School, was selected as the National Association of Elementary School Principals winner of the year and will represent Vermont in Washington D.C. This year’s winners are:

• Jason Di Giulio who has been selected as the National Association of Secondary Schools Principal of the Year. Jason is the principal of Hazen Union High School in Hardwick, VT.
• Bobby Riley has been selected as the Vermont High School Robert F. Pierce  principal of the year. Bobby is principal of the Eagle Bay Academy in Burlington, VT.
• Sarah Welch has been selected the Henry Giaguque Vermont Elementary Principal of the Year. Sarah is the principal at Danville Elementary School.
• Erik Remmers has been selected the Vermont Career Center Director of the year. Erik is the CTE Director at Green Mountain Technology & Career Center in Hyde Park, Vermont. 
• John Craig has been selected at the National Association of Secondary Schools Assistant Principal of the Year. John is the Assistant Principal at South Burlington High School. 

(Press Release)

It is clear to me that after meeting with the Career Center Directors, that their preferred path forward in regards to governance would be to keep things as they are until decisions have been made at the state level as to the number, composition, and geographical boundaries of school districts in general is finalized…(view full written testimony and link to youtube)

My testimony today concerns the concept of “extending the provision authorizing a beneficiary of the Vermont State Teachers’ Retirement System to resume service as an interim educator and continue to receive a retirement allowance for that period…(Full written testimony and Youtube reply available here)