Senate committee reviews S.313 to overhaul Vermont career and technical education

MONTPELIER — Lawmakers on the Senate Economic Development, Housing & General Affairs committee on Jan. 29 reviewed S.313, a proposed framework to transform Vermont’s career and technical education system, and sketched next steps to refine the plan with additional testimony and intercommittee coordination.

S.313, read into the record by a legislative counsel, frames the General Assembly’s intent to expand access to CTE, promote flexible delivery models (including in-district and hybrid offerings), align programs with current and emerging labor-market demands, redesign funding to remove participation disincentives, and explore whether some CTE centers should confer diplomas or otherwise guarantee credit transfer.

Keisha Ronkinsville, the bill’s drafter, told the committee the measure is intended to address persistent gaps in access and awareness. "I hope this bill drives us toward universal access to CTE right now," Ronkinsville said, summarizing recommendations gathered by a multi-site working group that met over the summer and fall.

Committee members…