February 10, 2026 – First 2026 Legislative Session Report 

Thank you for the opportunity to testify on the initial map draft presented by House Education Chair, Peter Conlon, last week. I want to first of all, thank Representative Conlon for putting out a thoughtful map for his committee (and obviously many other Vermonters including Senate Education) to consider. It is hard to tell where we are going to end up in terms of governance constructs related to Act 73; and, I’ve heard many times, including from members of this committee, that maps have to come before other aspects of the transformational change. Although I am not sure that is necessarily the case, having a map to react to certainly is a place to start. (Full Written Testimony)

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