House Education reviews draft 7.1 to convert BOCES into statutory "seesaws," sets facilitator and study-committee rules

The House Education committee on March 31 reviewed draft 7.1 of an education bill that would convert regional BOCES into statutorily required entities called "seesaws," set governance and membership rules for those entities, and require the Vermont Learning Collaborative to employ or contract facilitators to organize study committees.

Beth St. James, Legislative Council, told the committee that the draft replaces all references to BOCES with "seesaw," makes formation mandatory rather than voluntary, and adds a definition of cooperative educational service area. "Each seesaw shall establish bylaws to serve as the operating agreement of the seesaw," St. James said, noting that because membership will be established in statute, there is no bylaw withdrawal process and any change in membership would require a statutory change.

The draft also lists powers for a seesaw, including providing educational programs, services, facilities, and staff; offering professional development; coordinating curriculum; and providing transportation. St. James said the bill requires quarterly updates from a seesaw’s board to each member…