VSA urges broader appointment structure for State Board to increase stability and education expertise

The Vermont Superintendents Association told the Senate Adaptation Committee that statewide education leadership appointments should be structured to provide stability and to include public-school educational experience.

VSA recommended revising the current appointment process so it includes a broader appointing structure (for example, representation beyond sole gubernatorial appointment) and that appointees include people with public-education experience. "It is important to create stability irrespective of changes to the political landscape, and that is inclusive of public school education experience," Myers said.

Presenters argued that the authority and structure for the State Board of Education and the position of Secretary of Education should include checks and balances to avoid large policy swings with each gubernatorial transition. Speakers said other states with long-term education reform efforts have arrangements that reduce partisan swings and create sustained policy effort.

Committee members asked for clarification; presenters said they were recommending checks and representation rather than eliminating gubernatorial appointment entirely. The association asked lawmakers to consider appointment mechanisms that would ensure statewide reform remains consistent through election cycles.