Principals, superintendents urge return to independent state board oversight of education

Officials from the Vermont Principals Association and Vermont Superintendents Association told the Senate Education Committee on Jan. 24 they favor restructuring state education oversight so that the Agency of Education (AOE) answers to an independent state board rather than operating solely as an agency under the governor.

Why it matters: Witnesses said a commissioner model reporting to a state board is less susceptible to short-term political swings tied to a two‑year governor’s term and would better center policy-making on student needs rather than partisan priorities.

What they said: Jay Nichols told the committee that when the AOE functions solely as an agency, “it creates more opportunities for partisanship in politics.” He urged that a commissioner answer to a state board and that the board include explicitly designated members — including a principal or retired principal and a superintendent among others — and that appointments be shared among the governor, the Senate and the House to preserve checks and balances.

Chelsea Myers said the associations support reviewing “the statewide oversight structures of education in Vermont, including the relationship between the state board and the secretary of education to ensure proper checks and balances.” She recommended adjustments to composition and compensation for the state board and said clearer appointment processes would improve accountability.

Context and caveats: Witnesses framed the argument as institutional — not a critique of any specific governor or current AOE staff — and said they would continue to work with legislators on the precise statutory language needed to change governance.

Ending: Both organizations said they will provide more detailed recommendations and suggested the Legislature consider statutory language spelling out board composition and appointment authority.