The honor, given annually to a school leader who has worked to elevate the voices of school leaders in federal, state, and local policy decisions, couldn’t have gone to a more deserving recipient. Young has fervently worked to give principals a voice in the decisions that most affect them and their students, leveraging his platforms as the 2023 Vermont Principal of the Year, the NASSP Vermont State Coordinator, and the President-Elect of the Vermont Principals’ Association. (Full Announcement from NASSP)

It has been brought to the VPA’s attention that there are some concerns about the lack of handshake between member schools, Hazen and Winooski boys’ basketball on 2/29. This was a determination made by the VPA as part of a predetermined plan with the given programs. Each team competed with great effort and all-around positive support from coaches and fans. The well-being of the student-athletes and relationship between these two programs is the VPA’s priority. Fans that are concerned about the lack of handshake can direct their comments to the VPA as it was our decision and is not reflective of either program. We are grateful to have had the chance to work closely with the coaches and school leaders and look forward to the exciting games ahead in this year’s winter tournament.

CTE Directors are almost always members of Vermont Principals’ Association. In fact, per our bylaws we have one CTE leader on our Executive Council governing board. (read full testimony)

Seven standout student-athletes, 3 accomplished coaches, an outstanding advisor, and one excellent official have been selected for induction into the Hall of Fame for the Vermont Principals’ Association in May. Below is a list of the 2024 VPA inductees with brief biographical information on their outstanding achievements and strong sportsmanship through involvement with VPA activities. Since the creation of the Hall of Fame in 2001, the VPA has honored nearly 300 student-athletes, coaches/advisors, administrators, officials, media members, and contributors for their efforts on behalf of students across Vermont. (Full Press Release)

First, I’d like to thank Senators Gulick, Baruth, Hashim, and Perchlik for their clear
understanding, as evidenced by this bill to address the composition of the State Board of
Education, in recognizing that our current state board composition and construct should be
updated. (full written testimony)

First, I do agree that our reading scores should be better. I will remind the committee that one of
the strongest levers we have to improve reading scores and overall literacy skills is to offer free
publicly available prekindergarten for all children and that the VPA has been on the record
advocating for this for several years now and all of the research supports this need. (full written testimony)

In preparation for testimony on this and related issues, the Vermont Principals’ Association
(VPA) conducted a survey to ascertain what current policies and procedures are in place in
Vermont schools. We put out this quick survey and had over 100 responses from school
leaders. (full written testimony)

Let me start by explaining that this is not an area of expertise for me or for the vast majority of of school leaders. However, principals are the individuals who on a day-to-day basis make sure, through leadership oversight, that students are provided with the services that they are entitled to. (full written testimony)

The Mental Health of students continues to be at the top of the list of concerns for Principals and school personnel. (Read full written testimony)

Please accept this written testimony as support from the Vermont Principals’ Association as full
endorsement of passing S. 18 and banning flavored tobacco products and e-liquids including
Menthol products. (Full Written Testimony)