H.454

An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Sponsors: Rep. Casey Toof, Rep. Patricia McCoy, Rep. Christopher Taylor, Rep. Joshua Dobrovich, Rep. Beth Quimby

Location: Senate Committee on Finance

Last Recorded Action: 5/6/2025 - Referred to Committee on Finance per Senate Rule 31

Committee Activity - Meeting Full List

Regular Session 2025-2026

Thursday, February 27, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Ways and Means

9:00 AM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Aileen Tulloch, Former Lister, Putney, VT
R Todd LeBlanc, St. Albans
Natalya Boshkov, Plymouth, VT
Joe Turner, Assessor, City of Burlington, VT
Samantha Sheehan, Municipal Policy and Advocacy Specialist, Vermont League of Cities and Towns
Lisa Wright, Past President, Vermont Assessors and Listers Association

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Education

1:15 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Committee discussion

2:50 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Continued committee discussion

Sue Ceglowski, Executive Director, Vermont School Boards Association

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Education

10:25 AM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Committee discussion

2:25 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Committee discussion

Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, Chair, House Committee on Ways and Means
Rep. William Canfield, Vice Chair, House Committee on Ways and Means

Friday, March 14, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Education

1:00 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Committee discussion

2:30 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Committee discussion

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Education

1:15 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Process for achieving scale from the Vermont Superintendents Association

Chelsea Myers, Executive Director, Vermont Superintendents Association
Amy Minor, President, Vermont Superintendents Association
Lynn Cota, Treasurer, Vermont Superintendents Association
Morgan Daybell, Past President, Vermont Association of School Business Officials

2:40 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Committee discussion

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Education

9:00 AM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

School size considerations from the Vermont Superintendents Association

Patrick Reen, Trustee, Vermont Superintendents Association

10:10 AM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Committee discussion and mark-up

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Thursday, March 20, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Education

9:00 AM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Committee discussion

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

3:00 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Committee discussion

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Friday, March 21, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Education

1:50 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Committee discussion

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

3:00 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Agency of Education testimony on education transformation time-line and support

Zoie Saunders, Secretary, Agency of Education
Jill Briggs Campbell, Interim Deputy Secretary, Agency of Education

Monday, March 24, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Education

1:30 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Committee discussion. Members will meet remotely.

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

3:00 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Committee discussion. Members will meet remotely.

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Education

10:10 AM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Committee discussion and mark-up

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

2:00 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Committee discussion and mark-up

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

3:08 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Committee discussion and mark-up

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Ways and Means

2:00 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Kirby Keeton, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

2:30 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Kirby Keeton, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

3:15 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Jon Gray, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

3:45 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Foundation Formula, the State guarantee and excess spending

Jon Gray, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Education

9:00 AM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Testimony from the Rural School Community Alliance

Cheryl Charles, Chair, Windham Northeast Supervisory Union Board
Jamie Kinnarney, Superintendent, White River Valley Supervisory Union
Elaine Collins, Superintendent, North Country Supervisory Union

9:45 AM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Testimony from Friends of Vermont Public Education

Neil Odell, Founding Member, Board of Directors, Friends of Vermont Public Education
Krista Huling, Board Member, Friends of Vermont Public Education

10:15 AM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Testimony on school board elections and wards

Sarah Copeland Hanzas, Secretary of State, Secretary of State's Office
Lauren Hibbert, Deputy Secretary of State, Secretary of State's Office
Sean Sheehan, Director of Elections and Campaign Finance, Secretary of State's Office

11:10 AM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Walk-through and mark-up of strike-all amendment draft 4.1

Sue Ceglowski, Executive Director, Vermont School Boards Association
Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

2:37 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Committee discussion and mark-up of strike-all amendment draft 4.1

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Sue Ceglowski, Executive Director, Vermont School Boards Association
Jay Nichols, Executive Director, Vermont Principals' Association

4:25 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Committee discussion of strike-all amendment draft 4.1

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Education

9:10 AM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Committee discussion on proposed addition of school construction language. Mark-up of strike-all amendment draft 5.1

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

10:55 AM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Committee discussion and mark-up of strike-all amendment draft 5.1

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

2:30 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Testimony on Section 15 and 16 of strike-all amendment draft 4.1

Jaye Johnson, General Counsel, Governor's Office

5:05 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Committee discussion and mark-up of strike-all amendment draft 5.1

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Friday, March 28, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Education

9:20 AM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Mark-up of strike-all amendment draft 6.1

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

11:15 AM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Mark-up of strike-all amendment draft 7.1

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Oliver Olsen, Vermont Independent Schools Association

1:20 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Mark-up of strike-all amendment draft 8.1

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

2:35 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Mark-up of strike-all amendment draft 8.1

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

4:15 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Vote

Friday, March 28, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Ways and Means

1:00 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Kirby Keeton, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Rebecca Sameroff, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Taxes
Jake Feldman, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Department of Taxes

Monday, March 31, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Ways and Means

1:00 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Rep. Peter Conlon, Chair, House Committee on Education
Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

2:05 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Jon Gray, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

3:05 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Ways and Means

1:00 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Excess Spending over the Foundation Formula

Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

2:05 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

2:45 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

3:30 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Kirby Keeton, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Ways and Means

9:00 AM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Committee Discussion
breaks as needed

10:55 AM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Committee Discussion

Jon Gray, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

1:00 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Committee Discussion
breaks as needed

Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Jon Gray, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

2:25 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Committee Discussion

Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

2:45 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Committee Discussion

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Thursday, April 3, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Ways and Means

11:25 AM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Foundation Formula

Ryan Heraty, Superintendent, Lamoille South Supervisory Union
Jeanne Albert, School Board Chair, Lincoln, VT

1:00 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Foundation Formula

Jay Nichols, Executive Director, Vermont Principals' Association
Jeff Fannon, Executive Director, Vermont National Education Association
Chelsea Myers, Executive Director, Vermont Superintendents Association

2:00 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Homestead exemption

Stephanie Yu, Executive Director, Public Assets Institute
Jake Feldman, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Department of Taxes

-

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Appraisals and Classification

Jill Remick, Director of Property Valuation and Review, Department of Taxes
Rebecca Sameroff, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Taxes
Edgar Clodfelter, Senior Appraiser, NEMRC
Linda Sherman, President, Vermont Assessors and Listers Association
Austin Davis, Director, Government Affairs, Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce
Pollaidh Major, Director of Policy and Special Projects, Vermont Housing & Conservation Board
Brian Maggiotta, Owner, Inn at Manchester
Amy Spear, Vermont Chamber President, Vermont Chamber of Commerce
Peter Tucker, Advocacy & Public Policy Director, Vermont Association of Realtors
Lindsay DesLauriers, President, Bolton Valley Resort

Thursday, April 3, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development

2:30 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Rep. Erin Brady

Friday, April 4, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Ways and Means

9:00 AM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

walkthrough

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Jon Gray, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

1:00 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Committee discussion

Tammy Kolbe, Principal Researcher, American Institutes for Research
Jon Gray, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Kirby Keeton, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Ways and Means

8:30 AM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

vote

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Jon Gray, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Kirby Keeton, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Appropriations

1:00 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Walk through and committee discussion

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Jon Gray, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Kirby Keeton, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Ezra Holben, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Chris Rupe, Associate Fiscal Officer, Joint Fiscal Office
Rep. Peter Conlon, Chair, House Committee on Education
Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, Chair, Joint Fiscal Committee
Rep. Charles Kimbell, Member, House Committee on Ways and Means

3:10 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Vote

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Education

9:00 AM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Walk-through of amendments proposed by House Ways and Means and House Appropriations Committees

Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, Chair, House Committee on Ways and Means
Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Jon Gray, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Ezra Holben, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

11:05 AM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Committee discussion and possible straw poll vote on amendments proposed by House Ways and Means and House Appropriations Committees

Jon Gray, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Rep. Charles Kimbell, Ranking Member, House Committee on Ways and Means
Kirby Keeton, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

2:30 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Discussion and possible straw poll vote on amendments proposed by Members of the Committee

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Rep. Herb Olson, Sponsor

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Ways and Means

11:00 AM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Conlon et al. Amendment

Rep. Peter Conlon, Chair, House Committee on Education

Friday, April 11, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Education

9:30 AM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Walk-through and discussion of Floor amendments proposed by Rep. Greer and Rep. Toof

Rep. William "Will" Greer, Sponsor
Rep. Casey Toof, Sponsor
Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

10:50 AM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Walk-through and discussion of amendments proposed by Rep. Donahue and Rep. Galfetti

Rep. Gina Galfetti, Sponsor
Rep. Anne B. Donahue, Sponsor
Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Friday, April 11, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Ways and Means

9:00 AM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Amendments

Rep. Theresa Wood, Sponsor
Rep. William "Will" Greer, Sponsor
Rep. Casey Toof, Sponsor

10:45 AM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Amendment

Rep. Anne B. Donahue, Sponsor, House Committee On Human Services

Friday, April 11, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Appropriations

9:50 AM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Amendment

Rep. Casey Toof, Sponsor, House Committee on Education

10:40 AM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Amendment

Rep. Gina Galfetti, Sponsor, House Committee on Corrections and Institutions

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Committee(s):

Senate Committee on Finance

2:30 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Introduction and Walk-through
This is a joint meeting with the Senate Education Committee. The meeting will be livestreamed on the Senate Finance You Tube channel.

Rep. Peter Conlon, Chair, House Committee on Education
Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, Chair, House Committee on Ways and Means
Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Jon Gray, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Kirby Keeton, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Committee(s):

Senate Committee on Education

2:35 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Introduction and walk-through of policy language in H.454. This will be a joint hearing with the Senate Finance Committee. The committees will join via zoom and the hearing will be livestreamed on the Senate Finance YouTube Channel. https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/streaming/senate-finance

Rep. Peter Conlon, Chair, House Committee on Education
Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, Chair, House Committee on Ways and Means
Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

4:00 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Jon Gray, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Kirby Keeton, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Committee(s):

Senate Committee on Finance

1:30 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Walk-through continued
This is a joint meeting with the Senate Education Committee. The meeting will be livestreamed on the Senate Finance You Tube channel.

Jon Gray, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

2:30 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Fiscal Walk-through

Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Chris Rupe, Associate Fiscal Officer, Joint Fiscal Office
Ezra Holben, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Committee(s):

Senate Committee on Education

1:30 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Policy walk-through continuation and walk-through of financial elements of H.454. This will be a joint hearing with the Senate Finance Committee. The committees will join via Zoom and the hearing will be livestreamed on the Senate Finance YouTube Channel. https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/streaming/senate-finance

Jon Gray, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

Thursday, April 17, 2025

Committee(s):

Senate Committee on Finance

2:20 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Walk-through

Kirby Keeton, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

4:30 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Testimony on foundation weights. This will be a joint meeting with Senate Education. The meeting can be viewed on Senate Education's You Tube channel at https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/streaming/senate-education.

Tammy Kolbe, Vice Chair, Vermont State Board of Education

Thursday, April 17, 2025

Committee(s):

Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs

10:55 AM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Sections 1-2

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Thursday, April 17, 2025

Committee(s):

Senate Committee on Education

4:35 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Testimony on foundation formula weights. This will be a joint hearing with Senate Finance. The committees will join via Zoom and the hearing will be livestreamed on the Senate Education YouTube Channel.

Tammy Kolbe, Principal Researcher, American Institutes for Research

Friday, April 18, 2025

Committee(s):

Senate Committee on Education

1:25 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Continuation of walk-through from Tuesday 4/15.

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Friday, April 18, 2025

Committee(s):

Senate Committee on Finance

1:30 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Zoie Saunders, Secretary, Agency of Education
Jill Briggs Campbell, Interim Deputy Secretary, Agency of Education

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Committee(s):

Senate Committee on Education

1:30 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Jay Nichols, Executive Director, Vermont Principals' Association
Chelsea Myers, Executive Director, Vermont Superintendents Association
Flor Diaz-Smith, President, Vermont School Boards Association
Sue Ceglowski, Executive Director, Vermont School Boards Association
Jeff Fannon, Executive Director, Vermont National Education Association
Jamie Kinnarney, Superintendent, White River Valley Supervisory Union
Nicol Whalen, Vice Chair, Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union Board
Cheryl Charles, Chair, Westminster School Board

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Committee(s):

Senate Committee on Finance

3:00 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Testimony

Jay Nichols, Executive Director, Vermont Principals' Association
Jeff Fannon, Executive Director, Vermont National Education Association
Chelsea Myers, Executive Director, Vermont Superintendents Association
Heather Bushey, President, Vermont Association of School Business Officials
Flor Diaz-Smith, President, Vermont School Boards Association

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Committee(s):

Senate Committee on Education

1:35 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Agency of Education response

Zoie Saunders, Secretary, Agency of Education
Jill Briggs Campbell, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Education
Amanda Brown, President, APA Consulting

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Committee(s):

Senate Committee on Finance

1:30 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Supplemental Spending

Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

2:30 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Brigham Refresher

Jon Gray, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

3:15 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Brigham Testimony

Allen Gilbert, Former Chair, Worcester School Board, Former Executive Director, Vermont American Civil Liberties Union

-

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Committee Discussion

Thursday, April 24, 2025

Committee(s):

Senate Committee on Education

3:00 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Walk-through of amendments

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

4:25 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Updates on foundation formula

Ezra Holben, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

Thursday, April 24, 2025

Committee(s):

Senate Committee on Finance

3:30 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Property Valuation

Rebecca Sameroff, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Taxes
Jake Feldman, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Department of Taxes

Friday, April 25, 2025

Committee(s):

Senate Committee on Education

1:00 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Student testimony. Joint hearing with House Education Committee. Hearing will be hosted in room 11 and livestreamed on the House Education YouTube channel. For the most up-to-date witness list, please refer to the House Education Committee agenda. https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/streaming/house-education

Jacoby Soter, Student, Bellows Free Academy St. Albans
Adam Karle, Student, Mount Holly Elementary School
Lylah Zeitlin, Student, Woodstock Union High School
Logan Martes, Student, Woodstock Union High School
Zoe Epstein, Student, Champlain Valley Union High School
Hibo Dahir, Student, Champlain Valley Union High School
Chloe Ngu, Student, Champlain Valley Union High School
Nicole Richie Asiimwe, Student, Champlain Valley Union High School
Morgan Cable, Student, Long Trail School
Naomi Fitzpatrick, Student, Long Trail School
Gavin Keep, Student, The Sharon Academy
Evan Hare, Student, The Sharon Academy
Eddie McGrath, Student, Montpelier High School
Ari Chapin, Student, U-32 High School
Pankti Desai, Student, Essex High School
Madeline Crank, Student, Hazen Union High School
Willow Sharma, Student, Brattleboro Union High School
Max Demaine, Student, Lake Region Union High School
Ada Allen, Student, Craftsbury Academy
Raz Gletsos, Student, Craftsbury Academy
Raz Mille, Student, Craftsbury Academy
Oryon Hart, Student, Craftsbury Academy
Iris Jacobs, Student, Craftsbury Academy
Rue Jacobs, Student, Craftsbury Academy
Arena Coryer, Student, Colchester High School

2:30 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Mark-up

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Meg Fuerst, Representative, Action Circles

Friday, April 25, 2025

Committee(s):

Senate Committee on Finance

2:00 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Testimony

Amy Spear, Vermont Chamber President, Vermont Chamber of Commerce
Samantha Sheehan, Municipal Policy and Advocacy Specialist, Vermont League of Cities and Towns
Josh Hanford, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, Vermont League of Cities and Towns
Mimi Burnstein, Assessor/Lister, Randolph Lister's Office
Peter Tucker, Advocacy & Public Policy Director, Vermont Association of Realtors
Edgar Clodfelter, Senior Appraiser, NEMRC

Friday, April 25, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Education

1:00 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Student testimony. Joint hearing with Senate Education Committee. Hearing will be hosted in room 11 and livestreamed on the House Education YouTube channel.

Jacoby Soter, Student, Bellows Free Academy St. Albans
Adam Karle, Student, Mount Holly Elementary School
Lylah Zeitlin, Student, Woodstock Union High School
Logan Martes, Student, Woodstock Union High School
Zoe Epstein, Student, Champlain Valley Union High School
Hibo Dahir, Student, Champlain Valley Union High School
Chloe Ngu, Student, Champlain Valley Union High School
Nicole Richie Asiimwe, Student, Champlain Valley Union High School
Morgan Cable, Student, Long Trail School
Naomi Fitzpatrick, Student, Long Trail School
Gavin Keep, Student, The Sharon Academy
Evan Hare, Student, The Sharon Academy
Eddie McGrath, Student, Montpelier High School
Ari Chapin, Student, U-32 High School
Pankti Desai, Student, Essex High School
Madeline Crank, Student, Hazen Union High School
Willow Sharma, Student, Brattleboro Union High School
Max Demaine, Student, Lake Region Union High School
Ada Allen, Student, Craftsbury Academy
Raz Gletsos, Student, Craftsbury Academy
Raz Mille, Student, Craftsbury Academy
Oryon Hart, Student, Craftsbury Academy
Iris Jacobs, Student, Craftsbury Academy
Rue Jacobs, Student, Craftsbury Academy
Arena Coryer, Student, Colchester High School

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Committee(s):

Senate Committee on Education

1:05 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Foundation formula scenarios applied to current districts.

Ezra Holben, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

1:35 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Walk-through of amendments

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

2:00 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Walk-through of Finance Proposal

Jon Gray, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Ezra Holben, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

3:10 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Walk-through of amendments, continued

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

4:15 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Committee Discussion

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Committee(s):

Senate Committee on Education

3:35 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Walk-through of changes, discussion

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Oliver Olsen, Vermont Independent Schools Association
Jon Gray, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Sen. Scott Beck, Senator, Caledonia District

4:50 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Ezra Holben, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

5:30 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Walk-through of financial proposal

Oliver Olsen, Vermont Independent Schools Association
Jon Gray, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Committee(s):

Senate Committee on Finance

3:35 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Testimony continued

Karen Lafayette, Legislative Liaison, Vermont Low Income Advocacy Council
Austin Davis, Director, Government Affairs, Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Education

2:05 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Student testimony

Isla Segal, Student, Woodstock Union Middle School

Thursday, May 1, 2025

Committee(s):

Senate Committee on Education

3:00 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Discussion, mark-up

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Oliver Olsen, Former Representative and Former Chair of the State Board of Education, Vermont Independent Schools Association
Zoie Saunders, Secretary, Agency of Education
Jill Briggs Campbell, Director of Operations, Agency of Education
Amanda Brown, President, APA Consulting
Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Jon Gray, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Ezra Holben, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

Thursday, May 1, 2025

Committee(s):

Senate Committee on Finance

3:25 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Property Classification and Reappraisals

Kirby Keeton, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Thursday, May 1, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Education

2:35 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Student testimony

Alex Young-Springer, Student, Hunt Middle School

Friday, May 2, 2025

Committee(s):

Senate Committee on Education

2:00 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Mark-up

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Jon Gray, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Laura Pelosi, Lobbyist, St. Johnsbury Academy
Ezra Holben, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

3:45 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Discussion, possible vote

Jon Gray, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Ezra Holben, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Friday, May 2, 2025

Committee(s):

Senate Committee on Finance

1:50 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Testimony continued

Ryan Heralty, Superintendent of Lamoille South and Principal of Elmore School
Jeanne Albert, Steering Committee Member, Rural School Community Alliance
Alan Bjerke, Attorney, Burlington
Brian Maggiotto, Owner, Inn at Manchester

3:00 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Jill Remick, Director of Property Valuation and Review, Department of Taxes
Rebecca Sameroff, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Taxes

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Committee(s):

Senate Committee on Finance

1:00 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Side by side comparison of As Passed by House and Senate Version

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

2:35 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

The Unknowns

Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Committee(s):

House Committee on Education

9:00 AM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Walk-through of Senate Education Committee proposal of amendment

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Jon Gray, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Committee(s):

Senate Committee on Finance

After floor

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Foundation Formula and Weights

Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Ezra Holben, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

3:50 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Explanation of Senate Education Committee Decisions

Seth Bongartz, Senate Committee on Education

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Committee(s):

Senate Committee on Finance

After floor

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Homestead Exemption- Income Sensitivity

Jon Gray, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

Friday, May 9, 2025

Committee(s):

Senate Committee on Finance

1:30 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Proposed amendment

Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale

2:00 PM

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Proposed amendment

Ashlynn Doyon, Director of Policy, Office of the State Treasurer

-

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Supplemental Spending-Homestead Exemption-Income Sensitivity

Julia Richter, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

Friday, May 9, 2025

Committee(s):

Senate Committee on Education

-

H.454 - An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems

Walk-through of amendment

Beth St. James, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel