The VPA agrees with the Agency of Education that Chronic Absenteeism is an issue both in Vermont and nationally. We also agree that the tools we have used in the state and nation have to be updated. (Full Written Testimony)

The Vermont Principals’ Association (VPA) is proud to announce the Hall of Fame Class of 2026, a distinguished group of individuals whose collective impact reflects the very best of education-based athletics and activities in Vermont. This year’s inductees represent a powerful common thread — lifelong service, excellence, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to students. Across decades of leadership as athletes, coaches, educators, officials, and advocates, these honorees have shaped school communities, elevated opportunity, and modeled the values of sportsmanship, belonging, and perseverance. Their achievements span local, state, regional, national, and even Olympic levels, yet each story is grounded in the same purpose: using education-based activities to positively influence young people. (Full Press Release)

In terms of bill S. 209, my testimony today is about protecting children/students in our schools and making sure school employees know what they can and cannot do. I would like to share with you some guidance that we have put out to our members. (view full written testimony)

Testimony from Jason Gingold, Montpelier Middle and High School Principal and Angela Fillion, Allen Brook Elementary School Principal. (Read Principal Fillion’s Written Testimony & Principal Gingold’s Written Testimony)

Good afternoon. My testimony today is two-fold. First to point out a few considerations related to testimony shared by the Agency of Education and secondly to share a concept memo that the VPA believes is a better path forward to ultimate educational transformation in the state of Vermont. (read full testimony)

The Commission had essentially five areas to provide findings for consideration for the General Assembly and it is my intent to directly go through the recommendations if that works for the Committee…(full written testimony)

The Vermont Principals’ Association opposes any type of hard cap on education spending set by the state, especially given the current structure of local control authority in budget approval and board oversight of educational spending within the constraints of Vermont’s school finance system. (Full Written Testimony)

For the record, I am Jay Nichols and I represent the Vermont Principals’ Association. Good afternoon Committee members and thanks for your service. I’ve been asked to speak about the Redistricting Task Force work on Act 73 as well as the VPA’s Legislative priorities.

Link to Full Testimony, VPA Legislative Priorities 2026

Good morning members of the House Committee on Education and I hope the start of the 2026 Legislative Session has been positive for you thus far. For the record, my name is Jay Nichols and I am here today as the Chair of the Commission on the Future of Public Education in Vermont. My task today is to provide you with testimony from the Commission’s findings. (Full Written Testimony) (House Education Youtube Channel)

The Vermont Principals’ Association is proud to announce Vermont’s 2026 United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) delegates. Annually, two students from each state are selected for a $10,000 cash scholarship and an all-expenses paid week long trip to Washington D.C. While at the capitol, students learn about the inner workings of the federal government. They meet with members of Congress, the Supreme Court, and the Presidential Administration. All high achieving juniors and seniors in Vermont high schools with interest in leadership, politics, law, and government are encouraged to apply. The scholarship and program are funded by the Hearst Foundation. 

This year’s selected student delegates to represent Vermont are Daniel Mann and Quincy Sabick. Daniel is a senior at Thetford Academy. Quincy is a senior at Vergennes Union High School. Both Daniel and Quincy are very impressive Vermont high school students. They submitted incredible application packets, had lots of evidence of great school and community leadership, and had very impressive interviews with the VPA USSYP committee that made the final selections. 

The USSYP committee is comprised of retired principals Dan Ryan and Meredith Voutras; current school leaders Greg Schillinger, Principal Rutland High School; Alicia Lyford, Principal East Montpelier Elementary School, Diane Reilly, Principal Hyde Park Elementary School; Kelly Dias, Principal Academy School; Mari Miller,  Principal Brighton Elementary School and, Jay Nichols, Senior Executive Director of the VPA.

The VPA, the United States Senate Youth Program, and the USSYP Committee all encourage Vermont students who will be in their junior or senior years, and hold an elected or appointed school or community position, to apply for this distinguished scholarship and opportunity next year. Completed applications for next year will be due in October. Learn more about the program here.