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Senate Committee on Education (Room 28)

The Senate Committee on Education has jurisdiction over matters relating to education, libraries, and literary or scientific subjects.

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Previous Meetings - Full Report

Summary Report

Friday, January 11, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
2:00 PM

Act 46

Walk-through/review/progress update

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
3:00 PM

Act 173

Walk-through/review/progress update

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

Act 46

Review/progress update

  • Krista Huling, Chair, State Board of Education
  • Peter Peltz, Member, State Board of Education
  • Donna Russo-Savage, Principal Assistant, School Governance, Agency of Education
3:00 PM

Act 11 Statewide Teachers' Health Care Bargaining

Review/progress update

  • Jeff Fannon, Executive Director, Vermont National Education Association
  • Nicole Mace, Executive Director, Vermont School Boards Association

Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

Vermont Education Health Initiative (VEHI)

Progress update re: Board rebalancing

  • Mark Hage, Trust Administrator, VEHI
  • Bobby-Jo Salls, Trust Administrator, VEHI
  • Laura Soares, President, VEHI
--

Vermont Legislative Research Service

  • Anthony Gierzynski, Director, Vermont Legislative Research Service
3:00 PM

S.9 - An act relating to conducting background checks for home study programs

Walk-through

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Retta Dunlap, Home School Advocate, Vermont Home Education Network

Thursday, January 17, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
12:30 PM

Senate Sexual Harassment Prevention Presentation

Senate Chamber

--

Senate Floor

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Carolyn Wesley, Director, Building Bright Futures
15 min after Floor

Act 166 Pre-kindergarten

Review

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Friday, January 18, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:00 PM

Independent Schools

Introduction

  • Michael Livingston, President, Vermont Independent Schools Association
  • Mill Moore, Executive Director, Vermont Independent Schools Association
1:30 PM

Committee Discussion


Tuesday, January 22, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Senate Protocols and Floor Decorum

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:00 PM

S.10 - An act relating to prekindergarten education

  • Daniel French, Secretary, Agency of Education
  • Al Gobeille, Secretary, Agency of Human Services
1:45 PM

S.10 - An act relating to prekindergarten education

  • Sherry Carlson, Senior Director of Programs, Let's Grow Kids
  • Sarah Kenney, Senior Director of Policy, Let's Grow Kids
3:00 PM

S.40 - An act relating to testing and remediation of lead in the drinking water of schools and child care facilities

Introduction by sponsors and walk-through by Legislative Counsel

  • Sen. Tim Ashe, Sponsor
  • Sen. Brian Campion, Sponsor
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor

15 min after Floor

S.40 - An act relating to testing and remediation of lead in the drinking water of schools and child care facilities

  • Stephanie Barrett, Associate Fiscal Officer, Joint Fiscal Office
  • Molly Costanza-Robinson, Professor of Environmental Chemistry, Middlebury College
  • David Englander, General Counsel, Vermont Department of Health
  • Mark Levine, Commissioner, Vermont Department of Health
  • Bryan Redmond, Director, Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division, Department of Environmental Conservation

Thursday, January 24, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:30 PM

Association of Vermont Independent Colleges

Introduction and update

  • Susan Stitely, President, Association of Vermont Independent Colleges
2:00 PM

Governor's FY 2020 Budget Address

Joint Assembly - House Chamber

3:30 PM

S.40 - An act relating to testing and remediation of lead in the drinking water of schools and child care facilities

  • Rebecca Ellis, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Environmental Conservation
  • Jeff Fannon, Executive Director, Vermont National Education Association
  • Jeff Francis, Executive Director, Vermont Superintendents Association, VT Superintendents Association, VT School Boards Association, VT Principals' Association
  • Jay Nichols, Executive Director, Vermont Principals' Association
  • Bryan Redmond, Director, Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division, Department of Environmental Conservation

Friday, January 25, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Implicit Bias Training

Ethan Allen Room

1:30 PM

S.40 - An act relating to testing and remediation of lead in the drinking water of schools and child care facilities

  • Stephanie Barrett, Associate Fiscal Officer, Joint Fiscal Office
  • Paul Burns, Executive Director, Vermont Public Interest Research Group
  • David Englander, General Counsel, Vermont Department of Health
  • Bryan Redmond, Director, Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division, Department of Environmental Conservation
2:00 PM

S.10 - An act relating to prekindergarten education

  • Betsy Aminata-Barstow, Provider, Nature's Ninos Childcare
  • Cheryl Cummings, Assistant Director, Otter Creek Child Center
  • Stacie Curtis, Early Education Coordinator, Burlington School District
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Ted Fisher, Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs, VT Department of Education
  • Linda January, Executive Director, Otter Creek Child Center
  • Chloe Learey, Executive Director, Winston Prouty Center for Child and Family Development
  • Reeva Murphy, Deputy Commissioner, Child Development Division, Department for Children and Families
  • Kate Rogers, Early Learning Program Manager, Agency of Education

Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

Agency of Education Census-Based Advisory Group Report

  • Emily Byrne, Chief Financial Officer, Agency of Education
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Emily Simmons, General Counsel, Agency of Education
2:00 PM

S.45 - An act relating to the eligibility of students attending approved independent schools that are parochial schools to be eligible for dual enrollment courses

Introduction by sponsor and walk-through by Legislative Counsel

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Sen. Debbie Ingram, Sponsor
2:30 PM

S.40 - An act relating to testing and remediation of lead in the drinking water of schools and child care facilities

  • Robin Boudreau, Facilities Manager, St. Albans City Elementary School
  • Joan Cavallo, Principal, St. Albans City Elementary School
  • David Englander, General Counsel, Vermont Department of Health
  • Jamie Evans, Director of Facilities, Barre City Elementary School
  • Jeff Francis, Executive Director, Vermont Superintendents Association, VT Superintendents Association, VT School Boards Association, VT Principals' Association
  • Karen Trimboli, Principal, Ludlow Elementary School
3:30 PM

S.40 - An act relating to testing and remediation of lead in the drinking water of schools and child care facilities

Committee discussion

  • David Englander, General Counsel, Vermont Department of Health
  • Jeff Francis, Executive Director, Vermont Superintendents Association, VT Superintendents Association, VT School Boards Association, VT Principals' Association
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Bryan Redmond, Director, Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division, Department of Environmental Conservation
4:30 PM

Association of Vermont Independent Colleges

Legislative Reception - Cedar Creek Room


Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor

15 min after Floor

Mental Health Advocacy Day

  • Janice Sabett, Family Support Consultant, Vermont Family Network
- -

S.40 - An act relating to testing and remediation of lead in the drinking water of schools and child care facilities

  • Jen Duggan, Vice President/Director, Conservation Law Foundation
  • David Englander, General Counsel, Vermont Department of Health
  • Jon Groveman, Policy and Water Program Director, Vermont Natural Resources Council
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Thursday, January 31, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor

15 min after Floor

Northeast Kingdom Collaborative

Innovations and successes in education in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont

  • McKenna Blay, Student, Lowell Graded School
  • Taylor Falconer, Student, Lowell Graded School
  • Melissa Jacobs, Board Chair, Craftsbury Saplings Childcare Center
  • Miriah Langmaid, Student, Lowell Graded School
  • Tom Lovett, Headmaster, St. Johnsbury Academy
  • Sam Randall, Student, Lowell Graded School
  • Kaylee Sargent, Student, Lowell Graded School
  • Katherine Sims, Director, Northeast Kingdom Collaborative
  • Haleigh Tetrault, Student, Lowell Graded School
2:15 PM

S.46 - An act relating to ethnic and social equity studies standards for public schools

Introduction by sponsor and walk-through by Legislative Counsel

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Jeff Francis, Executive Director, Vermont Superintendents Association
  • Sen. Anthony Pollina, Sponsor
--

S.39 - An act relating to voter approval of school district mergers ordered by the State Board of Education under Act 46

Introduction by Sponsor

  • Sen. Anthony Pollina, Sponsor
3:00 PM

S.40 - An act relating to testing and remediation of lead in the drinking water of schools and child care facilities

Committee discussion

  • Stephanie Barrett, Associate Fiscal Officer, Joint Fiscal Office
  • Jen Duggan, Vice President/Director, Conservation Law Foundation
  • David Englander, General Counsel, Vermont Department of Health
  • Jeff Francis, Executive Director, Vermont Superintendents Association, VT Superintendents Association, VT School Boards Association, VT Principals' Association
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Friday, February 1, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:00 PM

UVM Vermont Extension Service

  • Lena Ashooh, 4H Youth
  • Sarah Kleinman, Director of 4-H, Farmworker, and Family Education Programs, University of Vermont Extension
  • Chuck Ross, Director, University of Vermont Extension
  • Lauren Traister, Teen and Leadership Specialist, UVM Extension
1:30 PM

S.40 - An act relating to testing and remediation of lead in the drinking water of schools and child care facilities

Committee discussion, mark-up and vote

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Tuesday, February 5, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

H.3 - An act relating to ethnic and social equity studies standards for public schools

Introduction of bill by co-sponsors

  • Rep. Kevin "Coach" Christie, Sponsor, Hartford
  • Rep. Dylan Giambatista, Sponsor, Essex Junction
3:00 PM

Census-Based Funding Advisory Group Report

  • Meagan Roy, Chair, Census-Based Funding Advisory Group

Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor

15 min after Floor

Farm to School

  • Faye Mack, Advocacy and Education Director, Hunger Free Vermont
  • Beth Miller, Community Impact Director, Rutland County Parent Child Center
  • Betsy Rosenbluth, Project Director, Vermont FEED
- -

H.3 - An act relating to ethnic and social equity studies standards for public schools

  • Brenda Churchill, Statehouse Liaison, LGBTQIA Alliance of Vermont
  • Amanda Garces, Founder, Vermont Coalition for Ethnic and Social Equity in Schools
  • Krista Huling, Chair, State Board of Education
  • Tabitha Pohl-Moore, President, NAACP - Rutland
  • Laura Soares, President, VSBIT
  • Tim Vincent, Multi-Line Program Manager, VSBIT

Thursday, February 7, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor

15 min after Floor

H.3 - An act relating to ethnic and social equity studies standards for public schools

  • Abdullah Ansari
  • Jeff Fannon, Executive Director, Vermont National Education Association
  • Amanda Garces, Founder, Vermont Coalition for Ethnic and Social Equity in Schools
  • Mark Hughes, Executive Director, Justice for All
  • Mara Iverson, Director of Education, Outright Vermont
  • Robin Morgan, Member, Brattleboro Town School Board
  • Bruce Pandya, U32 Student
  • Amy Small, Ohavi Zedek Synagogue
  • Don Stevens, Chief, Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk-Abenaki Nation

Friday, February 8, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:00 PM

H.3 - An act relating to ethnic and social equity studies standards for public schools

Testimony, mark-up and possible vote

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • David Edelson, Temple Sinai Vermont
  • David Fainsilber, Jewish Community of Greater Stowe
  • Daniel French, Secretary, Agency of Education
  • Amanda Garces, Founder, Vermont Coalition for Ethnic and Social Equity in Schools
  • Nicole Mace, Executive Director, Vermont School Boards Association, VT School Boards Association, VT Superintendents Association, VT Principals' Association
  • Sequean Zev Mahnke
  • Jay Nichols, Executive Director, Vermont Principals' Association
  • Emily Simmons, General Counsel, Agency of Education
  • MaryAnn Songhurst, Student, Montpelier High School

Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

S. - An act relating to a study of how to best deliver Vermont Technical College certificate and degree programs at career technical education centers in Vermont

CTE/Expansion of Early College

  • Patricia Coates, Director of Government and External Affairs, Vermont State Colleges
  • Pat Moulton , President, Vermont Technical College
  • Susanne Young, Secretary of Administration, Agency of Administration
2:00 PM

S.38 - An act relating to the creation of a tuition-free scholarship program for Vermont students

  • Yasmine Ziesler, Chief Academic Officer, Vermont State Colleges
2:30 PM

University of Vermont Annual Update

  • Thomas Sullivan, President, University of Vermont

Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor

15 min after Floor

Hearing on Governor's Appointment

Daniel French as Secretary of the Agency of Education

  • Daniel French, Secretary, Agency of Education
- -

Act 77 Grading Standards

  • Sen. Joe Benning, Sponsor
  • Sen. Brian Campion, Sponsor
  • Dan Cunningham, Parent
  • Jess DeCarolis, Division Director, Student Pathways, Agency of Education
  • Pat Fitzsimmons, Proficiency-Based Learning Team Leader, Agency of Education
  • Andrew Jones, Director of Curriculum, Mill River Unified Union School District
  • Sen. Dick McCormack, Sponsor
  • Sen. Anthony Pollina, Sponsor
  • Sen. Robert Starr

Thursday, February 14, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor

15 min after Floor

S.38 - An act relating to the creation of a tuition-free scholarship program for Vermont students

Walk-through by Legislative Counsel and committee discussion

  • Luke Martland, Director and Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Friday, February 15, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:00 PM

The Creation of a Tuition-Free Scholarship

  • Nasser Abdel-Fatah, Graduate, Northern Vermont University
  • Allison Aguilar, Senior Research Associate, American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO
  • Sarah Alexander, President, United Academics-UVM Faculty
  • Rowie Budde, Student, Castleton University
  • Kate Gold, President, Vermont State Colleges United Professionals
  • Kathleen Moore, Faculty member, Vermont State Colleges Faculty Federation-Community College of Vermont Faculty
  • Linda Olson, Vice President for Higher Education, American Federation of Teachers VT
  • Heather Riemer, Director, American Federation of Teachers VT
  • Julie Roberts, President Elect, United Academics
  • Taylor Sanders, Student, Castleton University
  • Alexandra Timmins, Student, Vermont Technical College

Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

Senate Appropriations Committee Amendments to H.3

Committee discussion

1:45 PM

The Creation of a Tuition-Free Scholarship

Committee discussion

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor

15 min after Floor

The Creation of a Tuition-Free Scholarship

Committee discussion

  • Stephanie Barrett, Associate Fiscal Officer, Joint Fiscal Office
- -

Perspectives on K-12 Public Education

  • Marielle Blais, Speech Language Pathologist, Otter Valley Union High School
  • Tara Cariano, School Counselor, Harwood Union High School
  • April Morse, Kindergarten teacher, Poultney Elementary School
  • Colin Robinson, Political Director, Vermont National Education Association
  • Donald Tinney, President, Vermont National Education Association

Thursday, February 21, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:30 AM

Election of Sergeant at Arms, Adjutant and Inspector General, and Trustees of UVM and State Agricultural College

Joint Assembly

1:30 PM

S.63 - An act relating to expanding dual enrollment to students who attend schools outside of Vermont

Walk-through by Legislative Counsel, witness testimony, and committee discussion

  • Emily Byrne, Chief Financial Officer, Agency of Education
  • Jess DeCarolis, Division Director, Student Pathways, Agency of Education
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
- -

Finland's School System

  • Holly Morehouse, Executive Director, Vermont Afterschool, Inc.
  • Lasse Siurala, International Expert on Youth Culture

Friday, February 22, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:00 PM

Education Funding

  • Emily Byrne, Chief Financial Officer, Agency of Education
  • Paul Cillo, President, Public Assets Institute
  • Brad James, Education Finance Manager, Agency of Education
  • Chloe Wexler, Fiscal Data Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
- -

Restorative Justice Grant Program

  • Emily Byrne, Chief Financial Officer, Agency of Education
  • Emily Byrne, Chief Financial Officer, Agency of Education
  • Jody Emerson, Associate Principal, U-32 High School
  • Ted Fisher, Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs, Agency of Education
  • Annie O'Shaughnessy, President, True Nature Teaching
  • Meg Porcella, Education Programs Coordinator, Agency of Education

Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

Perspectives on K-12 Public Education

  • Jeff Fannon, Executive Director, Vermont National Education Association
  • Eric Krull, Teacher, Mansfield Union High School
  • Tom Payeur, 2019 Teacher of the Year, Winooski High School
  • Nora Skolnick, Teacher, Randolph Elementary School
2:00 PM

Healthcare Bargaining Language

  • Jill Charbonneau, President, Vermont Labor Council, AFL-CIO
  • Jeff Fannon, Executive Director, Vermont National Education Association
  • Damien Leonard, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Nicole Mace, Executive Director, Vermont School Boards Association
- -

The Creation of a Tuition-Free Scholarship

  • Marilyn Cargill, Vice President, Financial Aid Services, Marketing and Research, Vermont Student Assistance Corporation
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Tom Little, General Counsel, Vermont Student Assistance Corporation

Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor

15 min after Floor

S.164 - An act relating to miscellaneous changes to education law

Post-Secondary Educational Institutions Closing

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Wendy Koenig, Federal Relations and Legislative Liaison, University of Vermont
  • Susan Stitely, President, Association of Vermont Independent Colleges
- -

The Creation of a Tuition-Free Scholarship/AVIC language

  • Patricia Coates, Director of Government and External Affairs, Vermont State Colleges
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Ted Fisher, Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs, Agency of Education
  • Wendy Koenig, Federal Relations and Legislative Liaison, University of Vermont
  • Michele Kupersmith, Former State Legislator
  • Wendy Morgan, Staff Attorney, Vermont Legal Aid
  • Jacki Murphy, Interim Vice President of Enrollment, Saint Michael's College
  • Heidi Peterson, Parent, Stamford, Vermont
  • Hunter Seymour, Student, Castleton University
  • Emily Simmons, General Counsel, Agency of Education
  • Susan Stitely, President, Association of Vermont Independent Colleges

Thursday, February 28, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor

15 min after Floor

S.164 - An act relating to miscellaneous changes to education law

Campus Sexual Assault Task Force

  • Rep. Selene Colburn, Burlington
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Sydney Ovitt, Student, University of Vermont
  • Susan Parsons Ritter, Special Assistant to the President, Associate Secretary of the Corporation and Director of Community Relations, Middlebury College
  • Sharon Reich Paulsen, General Counsel, University of Vermont
  • Sarah Robinson, Deputy Director, Vermont Network Against Domestic & Sexual Violence

Friday, March 1, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:00 PM

S.63 - An act relating to expanding dual enrollment to students who attend schools outside of Vermont

  • Rep. Robin Chesnut-Tangerman
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Julie Mach, School Director, Mettawee School District
  • Emily Simmons, General Counsel, Agency of Education
2:00 PM

S.164 - An act relating to miscellaneous changes to education law

Campus Sexual Assault Task Force

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
3:00 PM

S.164 - An act relating to miscellaneous changes to education law

Post-Secondary Educational Institutions Closing - AVIC language

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Tuesday, March 5, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
-

No Committee Meetings Scheduled

The General Assembly is on break for Town Meeting week


Tuesday, March 12, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

H.39 - An act relating to the extension of the deadline of school district mergers required by the State Board of Education

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Rep. Heidi E. Scheuermann, Sponsor
  • Emily Simmons, General Counsel, Agency of Education
  • Cara Zimmerman, Chair, Stowe School Board
- -

S.164 - An act relating to miscellaneous changes to education law

Post-Secondary Educational Institutions Closing

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Emily Simmons, General Counsel, Agency of Education
3:00 PM

S. - An act relating to a study of how to best deliver Vermont Technical College certificate and degree programs at career technical education centers in Vermont

CTE/Expansion of Early College

  • Heather Bouchey, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Education
  • Jess DeCarolis, Division Director, Student Pathways, Agency of Education
  • Jay Ramsey, Director, Career and Technical Education, Agency of Education

Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor

15 min after Floor

H.39 - An act relating to the extension of the deadline of school district mergers required by the State Board of Education

  • Patrick Flood, Member, Woodbury School Board
  • Allen Gilbert, Member, Worcester School Board
  • Kristina Naylor, Chair, Dummerston School Board
  • Andrew Pond, Chair, Mt. Mansfield Modified Union School District and Chittenden East Supervisory Union Board
  • Donna Russo-Savage, Principal Assistant for School Governance, Agency of Education
  • Emily Simmons, General Counsel, Agency of Education
- -

S.164 - An act relating to miscellaneous changes to education law

Post-Secondary Educational Institutions Closing

  • Susan Stitely, President, Association of Vermont Independent Colleges

Thursday, March 14, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor

15 min after Floor

H.39 - An act relating to the extension of the deadline of school district mergers required by the State Board of Education

  • Devin Bachelder, Citizen, Franklin, Vermont
  • Bob Berger, Citizen, Franklin, Vermont
  • Cheryl Charles, Member, Westminster School Board
  • Andy Davis, Member, Brattleboro Town School Board
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Mary Niles, Chair, Montgomery School Board
  • Neil Odell, Vice President, Vermont School Boards Association
  • John Pandolfo, Superintendent, Barre Supervisory Union
  • Sonya Spaulding, Chair, Barre City School Board
  • Paul Susen, Chair, Huntington School Board
  • Scott Thompson, School Board Member, U-32 School Board
  • Miles Tudhope, Citizen, Orwell, Vermont
- -

S.164 - An act relating to miscellaneous changes to education law

Campus Sexual Assault

  • Jeff Nolan

Friday, March 15, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:00 PM

H.39 - An act relating to the extension of the deadline of school district mergers required by the State Board of Education

Committee discussion, mark-up and vote

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Brad James, Education Finance Manager, Agency of Education
  • Emily Simmons, General Counsel, Agency of Education
- -

S.164 - An act relating to miscellaneous changes to education law

Committee discussion, mark-up and vote

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

Student Data Privacy

  • Charity Clark, Assistant Attorney General, Office of Vermont Attorney General
  • David Hall, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Ryan Krieger, Assistant Attorney General, Attorney General's Office
- -

School Nutrition Day

  • Anore Horton, Executive Director, Hunger Free Vermont
  • Heather Torrey, Assistant Director, Burlington School Food Project

Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor

15 min after Floor

Student Data Privacy

Committee discussion

  • David Hall, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
- -

The Creation of a Tuition-Free Scholarship

  • Stephanie Barrett, Associate Fiscal Officer, Joint Fiscal Office
  • Rowie Budde, Student, Castleton University
  • Marilyn Cargill, Vice President, Financial Aid Services, Marketing and Research, Vermont Student Assistance Corporation
  • Jeff Hazard, Student, Castleton University
  • Ryan Heath, Student, Castleton University
  • Carlie Larrow, Student, Castleton University
  • Tom Little, General Counsel, Vermont Student Assistance Corporation
  • Kendra Ross, Student, Castleton University
  • Chloe Wexler, Fiscal Data Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

Thursday, March 21, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor

15 min after Floor

H.140 - An act relating to the State Advisory Panel on Special Education

Introduction by sponsor, walk-through by legislative counsel, and witness testimony

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Troy McAllister, Chair, Special Education Advisory Council
  • Rachel Seelig, Staff Attorney, Vermont Legal Aid
  • Rep. Kathryn Webb, Sponsor

Friday, March 22, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Floor

- -

The Senate Education Committee will not be meeting this afternoon


Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Committee discussion of proposed amendments to H.39 and S.164

9:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

H.140 - An act relating to the State Advisory Panel on Special Education

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Ted Fisher, Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs, Agency of Education
  • Tonya Rutkowski, State Systemic Improvement Plan and Monitoring Coordinator, Agency of Education
  • Traci Sawyers, Executive Director, Vermont Council of Special Education Administrators
  • Rachel Seelig, Staff Attorney, Vermont Legal Aid
2:30 PM

S.40 - An act relating to testing and remediation of lead in the drinking water of schools and child care facilities

Committee discussion

3:00 PM

H.39 - An act relating to the extension of the deadline of school district mergers required by the State Board of Education

Committee discussion of proposed amendment

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:30 AM

Retention of Superior Court Judges and Magistrates

Joint Assembly

1:00 PM

Senate Floor

3:30 PM

S.164 - An act relating to miscellaneous changes to education law

Career Technical Education

  • Patricia Coates, Director of Government and External Affairs, Vermont State Colleges
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Ted Fisher, Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs, Agency of Education
  • Pat Moulton , President, Vermont Technical College
3:40 PM

Governor's Appointments

3:45 PM

H.140 - An act relating to the State Advisory Panel on Special Education

  • Susan Aranoff, Senior Planner and Policy Analyst, Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council
  • Ted Fisher, Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs, Agency of Education
  • Troy McAllister, Chair, Special Education Advisory Council
  • Wendy Morgan, Staff Attorney, Vermont Legal Aid

Thursday, March 28, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor

3:30 PM

The Creation of a Tuition-Free Scholarship

  • Stephanie Barrett, Associate Fiscal Officer, Joint Fiscal Office

Friday, March 29, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Floor

2:00 PM

Queer Youth Leadership Day

  • Dana Kaplan, Executive Director, Outright Vermont
  • Oskar Neuburger, Student, Montpelier High School
  • Ezra Totten, Student, Burlington High School
2:30 PM

The Creation of a Tuition-Free Scholarship

  • Zella McMahon, Student, Montpelier High School
  • Ben Richardson-Skinder, Student, Montpelier High School
  • Eva Stumpf, Student, Montpelier High School

Tuesday, April 2, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

Act 173

Committee discussion

1:45 PM

H.140 - An act relating to the State Advisory Panel on Special Education

  • Susan Aranoff, Senior Planner and Policy Analyst, Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council
  • Rachel Seelig, Staff Attorney, Vermont Legal Aid
  • Emily Simmons, General Counsel, Agency of Education
2:15 PM

H.521 - An act relating to amending the special education laws

  • Emily Simmons, General Counsel, Agency of Education
2:30 PM

H.140 - An act relating to the State Advisory Panel on Special Education

Committee discussion

- -

Perspectives on Vermont Education

Governor's Institutes

  • Karen Taylor-Mitchell, Executive Director, Governor's Institutes of Vermont

Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor

15 min after Floor

S.164 - An act relating to miscellaneous changes to education law

Career Technical Education

  • Patricia Coates, Director of Government and External Affairs, Vermont State Colleges
- -

S.164 - An act relating to miscellaneous changes to education law

Student debt letter

  • Alena Berube, Special Education Finance Director, Agency of Education
  • Emily Byrne, Chief Financial Officer, Agency of Education
  • Gabrielle Malina, Partner, Komline Consulting Government Relations
  • Emily Simmons, General Counsel, Agency of Education

Thursday, April 4, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor

3:15 PM

H.521 - An act relating to amending the special education laws

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Ted Fisher, Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs, Agency of Education
  • Nicole Mace, Executive Director, Vermont School Boards Association, VSBA, VSA, VSPA, VCSEA
  • Meagan Roy, Chair, Census-Based Funding Advisory Group
- -

The Creation of a Tuition-Free Scholarship

  • Stephanie Barrett, Associate Fiscal Officer, Joint Fiscal Office
  • Stephanie Barrett, Associate Fiscal Officer, Joint Fiscal Office

Friday, April 5, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:00 PM

The Senate Education Committee will not be meeting this afternoon


Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

H.140 - An act relating to the State Advisory Panel on Special Education

Mark-up

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Wendy Morgan, Staff Attorney, Vermont Legal Aid
- -

H.521 - An act relating to amending the special education laws

Mark-up

  • Tricia Coates, Director of External & Governmental Affairs, Vermont State Colleges
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Wednesday, April 10, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

Act 173

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Jeff Fannon, Executive Director, Vermont National Education Association
  • Brenda Fleming, Former President, Vermont Association of School Business Officials
  • Mill Moore, Executive Director, Vermont Independent Schools Association
- -

H.521 - An act relating to amending the special education laws

Merging of H.140 into H.521, walk-through of draft 1.1, and committee discussion

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Jeff Fannon, Executive Director, Vermont National Education Association
  • Jeff Francis, Executive Director, VT Superintendents Association

Thursday, April 11, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor

15 min after Floor

Act 173

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Ted Fisher, Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs, Agency of Education
  • Tom Lovett, Headmaster, St. Johnsbury Academy
- -

The Creation of a Tuition-Free Scholarship

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Friday, April 12, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

H.521 - An act relating to amending the special education laws

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Daniel French, Secretary, Agency of Education
2:30 PM

Perspectives on Vermont Education

  • Lisa Bernardin, Coordinator, VT Brain Bee
  • Aiden May, Student, University of Vermont
  • Isabelle Petrucci, Student, Essex High School
2:45 PM

Act 173

  • Jay Nichols, Executive Director, Vermont Principals' Association

Tuesday, April 16, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

Universal PreK Research Partnership Study

Senate and House Education Committees Joint Hearing -
Room 11

  • Kyle DeMeo, Senior Research Associate, Regional Educational Laboratory Northeast and Islands at Education Development Center
  • Clare Irwin, Senior Research Associate, Regional Educational Laboratory Northeast and Islands at Education Development Center
- -

Governor's Appointments

  • Jason Broughton, State Librarian, Department of Libraries

Wednesday, April 17, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor

15 min after Floor

H.521 - An act relating to amending the special education laws

Delay in the implementation of Act 173

  • Alena Berube, Special Education Finance Director, Agency of Education
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
- -

S.164 - An act relating to miscellaneous changes to education law

Repealing Teacher's Oath

  • Peter Amons, Business Manager, Rutland City School District
  • Alena Berube, Special Education Finance Director, Agency of Education
  • Edward Connors, Business Manager, Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union
  • Ted Fisher, Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs, Agency of Education
  • Ted Fisher, Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs, Agency of Education
  • Brenda Fleming, Former President, Vermont Association of School Business Officials
  • Jeff Francis, Executive Director, VT Superintendents Association
  • Nicole Mace, Executive Director, Vermont School Boards Association
  • Dylan McNamara, Co-Director of Student Support Services, Essex-Westford School District, VT Council of Special Educators

Thursday, April 18, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor

15 min after Floor

H.521 - An act relating to amending the special education laws

Mark-up and vote

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
2:15 PM

S.164 - An act relating to miscellaneous changes to education law

Repealing Teacher's Oath

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Elizabeth Novotny, Lobbyist, Mosaic Learning Center
  • Emily Simmons, General Counsel, Agency of Education
2:30 PM

Committee Discussion


Friday, April 19, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Floor

-

Senate Education Committee is not meeting today


Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:30 PM

Pre-Kindergarten Education Legislative Study Report

Senate and House Joint Committee Hearing - Room 11

  • Daniel French, Secretary, Agency of Education
  • Erin Huckle, Research Associate, Education Development Center
  • Clare Irwin, Senior Research Associate, Education Development Center
3:30 PM

Uniform Chart of Accounts

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Daniel French, Secretary, Agency of Education
  • Tom Holland, Project Manager, Agency of Digital Services
  • John Quinn, Secretary, Agency of Digital Services

Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
12:00 PM

Institutional Racism in America's Judicial System and Society

Senate Chamber

  • Gilbert King, Author of "Devil in the Grove: Thurgood Marshall, the Groveland Boys, and the Dawn of a New America"
2:00 PM

Senate Floor


Thursday, April 25, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
8:30 AM

Field Trip - St. Johnsbury Academy

2:30 PM

H.521 - An act relating to amending the special education laws

Senate Appropriations proposed amendment

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
- -

Farm to School

Committee discussion of H.79

  • David Englander, General Counsel, Vermont Department of Health
  • Jeff Francis, Executive Director, VT Superintendents Association
  • Rosie Krueger, Assistant Director, Child Nutrition Programs, Agency of Education
  • Nicole Mace, Executive Director, Vermont School Boards Association
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Friday, April 26, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
12:15 PM

Senate Floor

1:15 PM

S.40 - An act relating to testing and remediation of lead in the drinking water of schools and child care facilities

Committee discussion


Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:00 PM

S.40 - An act relating to testing and remediation of lead in the drinking water of schools and child care facilities

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
2:00 PM

The Creation of a Tuition-Free Scholarship

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
3:00 PM

S.164 - An act relating to miscellaneous changes to education law

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Colin Robinson, Political Director, Vermont National Education Association

Wednesday, May 1, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor

15 min after Floor

S.164 - An act relating to miscellaneous changes to education law

VTNEA proposed language

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Nicole Mace, Executive Director, Vermont School Boards Association
  • Colin Robinson, Political Director, Vermont National Education Association
- -

Healthcare Bargaining

  • Sen. Randy Brock, Sponsor
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Nicole Mace, Executive Director, Vermont School Boards Association
  • Colin Robinson, Political Director, Vermont National Education Association

Thursday, May 2, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor

15 min after Floor

S.164 - An act relating to miscellaneous changes to education law

Uniform Chart of Accounts and E-Finance System

  • Kathy Barron, Business Manager, Essex-Westford School District
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Rick Pembroke, Chief Financial Officer, Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union
  • Cheryl Scarzello, Director of Finance, Addison-Fairhaven Union High School
- -

S.164 - An act relating to miscellaneous changes to education law

VTNEA proposed language

  • Bernie Lambek, Zalinger, Cameron & Lambek. P.C.
  • Pietro Lynn, Lynn, Lynn, Blackman & Manitsky, P.C.
  • Rebecca McBroom, Staff Attorney, VTNEA
  • Jay Nichols, Executive Director, Vermont Principals' Association

Friday, May 3, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Floor

1:00 PM

S.40 - An act relating to testing and remediation of lead in the drinking water of schools and child care facilities

  • David Englander, Senior Policy & Legal Advisor, Vermont Department of Health

Tuesday, May 7, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Senate Floor

2:00 PM

Teacher Appreciation Day

  • Ted Fisher, Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs, Agency of Education
2:30 AM

S.40 - An act relating to testing and remediation of lead in the drinking water of schools and child care facilities

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:30 AM

S.40 - An act relating to testing and remediation of lead in the drinking water of schools and child care facilities

Proposal of Amendment

  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
1:00 PM

Senate Floor

- -

Committee Discussion

The Senate Education Committee will not be meeting this afternoon


Thursday, May 9, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor

- -

TBA

The Senate Education Committee is not meeting this afternoon


Friday, May 10, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Floor

- -

TBA

The Senate Education Committee is not meeting this afternoon


Monday, May 13, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:30 PM

Senate Floor


Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
4:00 PM

Senate Floor


Wednesday, May 15, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
TBA

Senate Floor


Thursday, May 16, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
TBA

Senate Floor


Friday, May 17, 2019
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
TBA

Senate Floor


Tuesday, January 7, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

1:30 PM

Act 66 Update

  • David Englander, Senior Policy & Legal Advisor, Vermont Department of Health
2:30 PM

Session Priorities

Committee discussion

--

S.271 - An act relating to the creation of a Community College of Vermont tuition-free scholarship program for Vermont residents

Introduction by sponsor and committee discussion

  • Sen. Ruth Hardy
  • Wendy Koenig, Federal and State Relations and Legislative Liaison, University of Vermont

Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:30 PM

Statewide Teachers' Healthcare Bargaining

Update

  • Suzanne Dirmaier, Director, Uniserve, Northwestern Vermont
  • Joseph McNeil, Chief Negotiator, Employer Commissions
--

S.226 - An act relating to statewide public school employee health benefits

Introduction of bill by sponsor

  • Jeff Fannon, Executive Director, Vermont National Education Association
  • Joseph McNeil, Chief Negotiator, Employer Commissions
  • Sen. Andrew Perchlik, Sponsor
3:30 AM

Pupil Weighting Formula

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
4:00 PM

Senate Floor Convenes


Thursday, January 9, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
2:00 PM

Governor's State of the State Address

Joint Assembly - House Chamber

15 min after Governor's Address

Vermont Education Health Initiative (VEHI)

Update

  • Joel Cook, Director, Vermont Education Health Initiative
  • Jeff Fannon, Executive Director, Vermont National Education Association

Friday, January 10, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:00 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

1:30 PM

S.166 - An act relating to reforming the State Board of Education

Review reorganization proposal

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
--

S.224 - An act relating to making miscellaneous changes to education laws

Review proposed strike-all and amendment language for a miscellaneous education committee bill

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Ted Fisher, Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs, Agency of Education
  • Rachel Seelig, Staff Attorney, Vermont Legal Aid
  • Susan Stitely, President, Association of Vermont Independent Colleges

Tuesday, January 14, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

1:30 PM

S.166 - An act relating to reforming the State Board of Education

Status update on the powers and duties of the State Board of Education

  • John Carroll, Chair, State Board of Education
--

S.335 - An act relating to universal access to afterschool programs

Committee discussion

4:00 PM

New England Board of Higher Education Reception

Cedar Creek Room


Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor Convenes

15 min after Floor

Review Reports due to Senate Education Committee

Committee discussion

--

Agency of Education Organization

  • Daniel French, Secretary, Agency of Education
  • Daniel French, Secretary, Agency of Education
2:30 PM

University of Vermont Annual Update

  • Suresh Garimella, President, University of Vermont
3:00 PM

Adjourn


Thursday, January 16, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor Convenes

15 min after Floor

S.46 - An act relating to ethnic and social equity studies standards for public schools

Testimony and discussion of a committee bill pertaining to special education and equalized pupil weighting formula

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Daniel French, Secretary, Agency of Education
  • Tammy Kolbe, Associate Professor, Leadership and Development Sciences, University of Vermont
--

S.326 - An act relating to the State Advisory Panel on Special Education

Review, mark-up and vote

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Ted Fisher, Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs, Agency of Education
  • Jacqueline Kelleher, State Director of Special Education, Agency of Education
  • Stephanie Winters, Deputy Executive Director, Vermont Medical Society

Friday, January 17, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

1:30 PM

S.271 - An act relating to the creation of a Community College of Vermont tuition-free scholarship program for Vermont residents

  • Joyce Judy, President, Community College of Vermont
  • Wendy Koenig, Federal and State Relations and Legislative Liaison, University of Vermont
  • Jeb Spaulding, Chancellor, Vermont State Colleges System
--

S.335 - An act relating to universal access to afterschool programs

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
3:00 PM

Act 46 Update

  • Donna Russo-Savage, Principal Assistant for School Governance, Agency of Education

Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:55 PM

Senate Floor Convenes

2:00 PM

Governor's 2020 Budget Address

Joint Assembly - House Chamber

15 min after Governor's Budget Address

Vermont National Guard

  • Ken Gragg, Deputy Adjutant General, Vermont National Guard
  • Gregory C. Knight, Adjutant General, Vermont National Guard
--

S.248 - An act relating to requiring gender balance on the University of Vermont's Board of Trustees

Introduction of bill by sponsor and walk-through by legislative counsel

  • Tucker Anderson, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Paul Bierman, Professor of Geology, University of Vermont
  • Cary Brown, Executive Director, Vermont Commission on Women
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Sen. Ruth Hardy, Sponsor
  • Sen. Christopher A. Pearson, Sponsor

Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
12:00 PM

Community College of Vermont's 50th Anniversary Celebration

Cedar Creek room

1:00 PM

Senate Floor Convenes

15 min after Floor

Remarks on the State College System

  • Emily Casey, Treasurer, American Federation of Teachers-Vermont
  • Linda Olson, Vice President for Higher Education, Vermont State Colleges Faculty Federation
  • Randi Weingarten, President, National American Federation of Teachers
--

S.223 - An act relating to universal school breakfast and lunch for all public school students

Introduction of bill by sponsors

  • Sen. Randy Brock, Sponsor
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Ted Fisher, Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs, Agency of Education
  • Sen. Debbie Ingram, Sponsor
  • Sen. Debbie Ingram, Sponsor
  • Faye Mack, Advocacy and Education Director, Hunger Free Vermont
  • Colin Robinson, Political Director, Vermont National Education Association
  • Sen. Robert Starr, Sponsor
4:30 PM

Working Vermont Reception

Statehouse cafeteria


Thursday, January 23, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor Convenes

15 min after Floor

S.335 - An act relating to universal access to afterschool programs

Mark-up

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
--

S.166 - An act relating to reforming the State Board of Education

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Amy Shollenberger, Lobbyist, Afterschool Program
3:00 PM

Committee Adjourns


Friday, January 24, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

1:30 PM

S.226 - An act relating to statewide public school employee health benefits

  • Sue Ceglowski, Executive Director, Vermont School Boards Association
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Jeff Fannon, Executive Director, Vermont National Education Association
  • Jeff Francis, Executive Director, VT Superintendents Association
  • Jay Nichols, Executive Director, Vermont Principals' Association
  • Neil Odell, President, Vermont School Boards Association
  • Colin Robinson, Political Director, Vermont National Education Association
--

S.166 - An act relating to reforming the State Board of Education

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Tuesday, January 28, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

1:30 PM

NEK Day

  • Aero Burnell, Student, Newport City Elementary School
  • John Castle, Superintendent, North Country Supervisory Union
  • Abigail Dunn, Student, Newport City Elementary School
  • Isaiah Fortin, Student, North Country Union Junior High
  • Riley Fraiser, Student, Newport City Elementary School
  • Elliot Goff, Student, North Country Union Junior High
  • Ashlyn Janci, Student, North Country Union Junior High
  • Jeane Kadmiri, Guidance Counselor, Newport City Elementary School
  • Collen Moore de Ortiz, Parent, Newport, Vermont
  • Becca Munkelwitz, Alumni, Northern Vermont University
  • Gabe Ortez, Student, Newport City Elementary School
  • Jayden Perry, Student, North Country Union Junior High
  • Tersa Piette, Teacher, North Country Union Junior High
  • Gwen Roberge, Student, Newport City Elementary School
  • Charlotte Royer, Student, Newport City Elementary School
  • McKenna Ward, Student, North Country Union High School
2:00 PM

S.328 - An act relating to student athlete compensation

Introduction of bill by sponsor

  • Sen. Corey Parent, Sponsor
--

S.281 - An act relating to the Working Group on the Status of Libraries in Vermont

  • Jason Broughton, State Librarian, Department of Libraries
  • Dana Hart, Librarian, Ilsley Library, Middlebury
  • Bruce Post, Chair, Board of Libraries
  • Kevin Unrath, Librarian, Pierson Library, Shelburne

Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor Convenes

15 min after Floor

S.323 - An act relating to the provision of menstrual hygiene products in schools

Introduction and walk-through of bill

  • Sen. Virginia "Ginny" Lyons, Sponsor
  • Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
--

S.166 - An act relating to reforming the State Board of Education

  • John Carroll, Chair, State Board of Education
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Daniel French, Secretary, Agency of Education
  • Erik Remmers, Chair, Vermont Standards Board for Professional Educators
  • Donald Tinney, President, Vermont National Education Association

Thursday, January 30, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor Convenes

15 min after Floor

S.224 - An act relating to making miscellaneous changes to education laws

Review proposed strike-all and amendment language pertaining to School Wellness

  • Olivia Cooper, 2nd year medical student
  • Rachel Harrison, 2nd year medical student
  • Jugerta Istrefi, 2nd year medical student
  • Colby McGinn, 2nd year medical student
  • John O'Keefe, 2nd year medical student
  • PJ Tran, 2nd year medical student
  • Tina Zuk, Government Relations Director, American Heart Association
--

S.323 - An act relating to the provision of menstrual hygiene products in schools

  • Sue Ceglowski, Executive Director, Vermont School Boards Association
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Jeff Fannon, Executive Director, Vermont National Education Association
  • Jeff Francis, Executive Director, VT Superintendents Association

Friday, January 31, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

1:30 PM

S.271 - An act relating to the creation of a Community College of Vermont tuition-free scholarship program for Vermont residents

  • Stephanie Barrett, Associate Fiscal Officer, Joint Fiscal Office
  • Marilyn Cargill, Vice President, Financial Aid Services, Marketing and Research, Vermont Student Assistance Corporation
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
--

S.224 - An act relating to making miscellaneous changes to education laws

Draft 1.1 Proposed strike-all amendment

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

1:30 PM

S.226 - An act relating to statewide public school employee health benefits

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Jeff Fannon, Executive Director, Vermont National Education Association
  • Joseph McNeil, Chief Negotiator, Employer Commissioners
  • Neil Odell, President, Vermont School Boards Association
  • Colin Robinson, Political Director, Vermont National Education Association
3:00 PM

S.224 - An act relating to making miscellaneous changes to education laws

Testimony on Draft 2.1 proposed strike-all and amendment language pertaining to menstrual hygiene in schools, and school wellness

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Katherine Duprat, School Nurse, Harwood Union High School
  • Jeff Francis, Executive Director, VT Superintendents Association
  • Sophia Hall, School Nurse, Miller's Run school
  • Kelly Landwehr, Lead School Nurse, Middlebury Union High School
  • Becca McCray, School Nurse, Edmunds Middle School
  • Stephanie Winters, Deputy Executive Director, Vermont Medical Society

Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor Convenes

15 min after Floor

S.166 - An act relating to reforming the State Board of Education

Introduction of bill by sponsor

  • Sen. Randy Brock, Sponsor
  • Ted Fisher, Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs, Agency of Education
3:00 PM

S.281 - An act relating to the Working Group on the Status of Libraries in Vermont

Testimony, mark-up and vote

  • Tucker Anderson, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Bryn Geffert, Librarian, University of Vermont

Thursday, February 6, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor Convenes

--

Committee meeting cancelled


Friday, February 7, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

--

Senate Education Committee is not meeting today


Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

1:00 PM

S.226 - An act relating to statewide public school employee health benefits

Committee discussion

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Jeff Fannon, Executive Director, Vermont National Education Association
1:30 PM

S.334 - An act relating to increasing gradually the mandatory age of school attendance

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Jay Nichols, Executive Director, Vermont Principals' Association
  • Sen. Alice W. Nitka, Sponsor
--

Proficiency Based Learning and Notation

  • John Carroll, Chair, State Board of Education
  • Kim Gleason, Member, State Board of Education
  • Jay Nichols, Executive Director, Vermont Principals' Association
  • Peter Peltz, Member, State Board of Education
2:45 PM

Proficiency Based Learning and Notation

Joint hearing with Senate and House Education Committees. Room 11

  • John Carroll, Chair, State Board of Education
  • Matt Jordan, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Education Commission of the States

Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor Convenes

15 min after Floor

Proficiency Based Learning and Notation

  • Sierra Henderson, Student, U-32 High School
  • Mike McRaith, Assistant Executive Director, Vermont Principals Association
  • Jay Nichols, Executive Director, Vermont Principals' Association
  • Hannah Rea, Student, U-32 High School
  • Ruby Singer, Student, U-32 High School
  • Donald Tinney, President, Vermont National Education Association
3:00 PM

Vermont Farm to School

  • Betsy Rosenbluth, Vermont FEED Project Director, Vermont Farm to School Network
  • Maggie Rubick, Preschool Teacher, Northshire Day School
  • Jodie Stewart-Ruck, Principal, Shrewsbury Mountain School
3:15 PM

S.166 - An act relating to reforming the State Board of Education

  • John Carroll, Chair, State Board of Education
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Daniel French, Secretary, Agency of Education

Thursday, February 13, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor Convenes

15 min after Floor

Proficiency Based Learning and Notation

  • Chip Genung, Student and Legislative Page
  • Alexander Haag, Student, Bellows Free Academy, St. Albans
  • Gabe Hamilton, Proficiency-based Learning Coordinator, Mount Abraham Unified High School
  • Andrew Jones, President, Vermont Curriculum Leaders Association
  • Michael Martin, Director of Learning, South Burlington Supervisory District
  • Addie Nevitt, Home School Student and Legislative Page
  • John Painter, Math Department Chair and teacher, South Burlington High School
  • Addison Pinard, Student and Legislative Page
  • Jaxon Schaarschmidt, Student, Bellows Free Academy, St. Albans
  • David Young, Superintendent, South Burlington Supervisory District

Friday, February 14, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

1:00 PM

S.226 - An act relating to statewide public school employee health benefits

Committee discussion

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Jeff Fannon, Executive Director, Vermont National Education Association
--

S.166 - An act relating to reforming the State Board of Education

Committee discussion

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Jay Nichols, Executive Director, Vermont Principals' Association

Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

1:30 PM

Proficiency Based Learning and Notation

  • Sue Ceglowski, Executive Director, Vermont School Boards Association
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Mary Newman, Assistant Head of School, The Sharon Academy
--

S.226 - An act relating to statewide public school employee health benefits

Possible mark-up and vote

  • Sue Ceglowski, Executive Director, Vermont School Boards Association
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Jeff Fannon, Executive Director, Vermont National Education Association
3:00 PM

S.46 - An act relating to ethnic and social equity studies standards for public schools

Pupil weighting study

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Chloe Wexler, Fiscal Data Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor Convenes

15 min after Floor

S.46 - An act relating to ethnic and social equity studies standards for public schools

Pupil weighting study

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Jeff Fannon, Executive Director, Vermont National Education Association
  • Jeff Francis, Executive Director, VT Superintendents Association
  • Jay Nichols, Executive Director, Vermont Principals' Association
--

S.226 - An act relating to statewide public school employee health benefits

  • Sue Ceglowski, Executive Director, Vermont School Boards Association
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Thursday, February 20, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:30 AM

Election of Trustees of the Vermont State Colleges

Joint Assembly

11:15 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

1:30 PM

S.224 - An act relating to making miscellaneous changes to education laws

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Cynthia Gardner-Morse, Literacy Tutor
  • Jay Nichols, Executive Director, Vermont Principals' Association
  • Kara Quinn, Teacher, Edmunds Elementary School
  • Stephanie Waite, Professional Learning Director, Stern Learning Center
3:00 PM

S.325 - An act relating to amending the State Board of Education’s special education rules

  • Cynthia Gardner-Morse, Literacy Tutor
  • Kara Quinn, Teacher, Edmunds Elementary School
  • Stephanie Waite, Professional Learning Director, Stern Learning Center
3:30 AM

S.274 - An act relating to the school start time for high school students

  • Jay Nichols, Executive Director, Vermont Principals' Association

Friday, February 21, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

1:30 PM

S.328 - An act relating to student athlete compensation

  • Tacy Lincoln, Associate Director of Athletics, St. Michael's College
  • Tony Mariano, Athletic Director, Norwich University
  • Kailyn Myshrall, UVM Student Representative, NCAA Student Advisory Committee
  • Skyler Nash , Student Athlete, University of Vermont
  • Cathleen Rahill, Manager, UVM Student Athletic Services
--

S.274 - An act relating to the school start time for high school students

Introduction by Sponsor and witness testimony

  • Jeff Francis, Executive Director, VT Superintendents Association
  • Evelyn Gray, Teacher, Middlebury Union Middle School
  • Sen. Ruth Hardy, Sponsor
  • Chelsea Myers, Director of Communications and Professional Development, Vermont Superintendents Association
  • Pallas Snider Ziporyn, Project Manager, Brigham and Women's Hospital Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders
  • Terra Ziporyn Snider, Executive Director, Start School Later, Inc.

Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

11:30 AM

Implicit Bias Training

Legislative Lounge

  • Bor Yang, Executive Director, VT Human Rights Commission
2:00 PM

S.226 - An act relating to statewide public school employee health benefits

Committee discussion

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Jeff Fannon, Executive Director, Vermont National Education Association
--

S.224 - An act relating to making miscellaneous changes to education laws

Committee discussion of proposed strike-all and miscellaneous education language

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Susan Yesalonic, Health Education Specialist, Agency of Education

Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor Convenes

1:45 PM

S.224 - An act relating to making miscellaneous changes to education laws

The title of S.224 is outdated. It is now the Miscellaneous Education bill. The subject of today's testimony is menstrual hygiene products in schools

--

S.226 - An act relating to statewide public school employee health benefits

  • Sue Ceglowski, Executive Director, Vermont School Boards Association
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Jeff Fannon, Executive Director, Vermont National Education Association
  • Jeff Francis, Executive Director, VT Superintendents Association
  • Jay Nichols, Executive Director, Vermont Principals' Association
3:00 PM

S.248 - An act relating to requiring gender balance on the University of Vermont's Board of Trustees

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • J. Churchill Hindes, Chair, Vermont State Colleges Board of Trustees
  • Wendy Koenig, Federal and State Relations and Legislative Liaison, University of Vermont
  • Ron Lumbra, Incoming Chair, Board of Trustees, University of Vermont
3:30 PM

UVM's Land Grant Mission in Action

Reception: Cafeteria


Thursday, February 27, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor Convenes

1:30 PM

S.166 - An act relating to reforming the State Board of Education

  • John Carroll, Chair, State Board of Education
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Emily Simmons, General Counsel, Agency of Education
--

S.226 - An act relating to statewide public school employee health benefits

Mark-up and vote

  • Sue Ceglowski, Executive Director, Vermont School Boards Association
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Jeff Fannon, Executive Director, Vermont National Education Association
4:00 PM

Proficiency Based Learning and Notation

  • Jess DeCarolis, Division Director, Student Pathways, Agency of Education
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Pat Fitzsimmons, Proficiency-Based Learning Team Leader, Agency of Education

Friday, February 28, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

1:30 PM

S.328 - An act relating to student athlete compensation

Committee discussion

--

S.224 - An act relating to making miscellaneous changes to education laws

The title of S.224 is outdated. The subject matter is now the Miscellaneous Education bill

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

--

Committee Field Trip

Winooski High School


Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor Convenes

15 min after Floor

S.166 - An act relating to reforming the State Board of Education

Mark-up and vote

  • John Carroll, Chair, State Board of Education
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Emily Simmons, General Counsel, Agency of Education
4:00 PM

Pupil Weighting Study

Public hearing in Room 11

  • Peter Barus, Whitingham, Vermont
  • Jennifer Botzojorns, Superintendent, Kingdom East Supervisory Union
  • John Castle, Superintendent, North Country Supervisory Union
  • Karen Chitamber, North Country Supervisory Union
  • Al Claussen, Townshend, Vermont
  • Elaine Collins, North Country Supervisory Union
  • Rus Cumming, Windham, Vermont
  • Leanne Desjardins, North Country Supervisory Union
  • Bill Dunkel, Windham, Vermont
  • Kristy Ellis, North Country Supervisory Union
  • Deborah Greene, Windham, Vermont
  • Steve Gross, Middlebury, Vermont
  • Martha Hafner, Randolph, Vermont
  • Margaret Keir, Huntington, Vermont
  • David Kelly, Greensboro, Vermont
  • Douglas Korb, School Board Member, Marlboro, Vermont
  • Scott Kord, Windham, Vermont
  • Eric LaMontagne, South Burlington, Vermont
  • Dan MacArthur, School Board Member, Marlboro, Vermont
  • William Mathis, Goshen, Vermont
  • Immay Maurath, Windham, Vermont
  • Sean McMannon, Superintendent, Winooski School District
  • Kathy Olwell, Burlington, Vermont
  • Joe Pawelczyk, Windham, Vermont
  • Keith Pillsbury, Burlington, Vermont
  • Kathy Scott, Windham, Vermont
  • Katherine Sims, Craftsbury, Vermont
  • Meg Staloff, Wilmington, Vermont
  • Samantha Stevens, North Country Supervisory Union
  • Clare Wool, Board Chair, Burlington School District

Thursday, March 12, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor Convenes

15 min after Floor

S.46 - An act relating to ethnic and social equity studies standards for public schools

Testimony, committee discussion and mark-up of proposed pupil weighting language

  • Don Collins, Citizen
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Emily Simmons, General Counsel, Agency of Education
--

S.224 - An act relating to making miscellaneous changes to education laws

The title of S.224 is outdated. The subject matter is now the Miscellaneous Education bill. Committee discussion and mark-up.

  • Katie Ballard, Advisory Council on Child Poverty and Strengthening Families Representative, VT Coalition For Disability Rights
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Friday, March 13, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

1:30 PM

S.46 - An act relating to ethnic and social equity studies standards for public schools

Final mark-up and vote

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
--

S.224 - An act relating to making miscellaneous changes to education laws

The title of S.224 is outdated. The subject matter is now the Miscellaneous Education bill. Final mark-up and vote.

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

Committee Discussion of Covid-19

NOTE: This meeting will be held as a conference call. To participate or listen in to the call, please call 1-877-278-2734 and use the Pin#172076.


Thursday, March 19, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
10:00 AM

Current State of Play Around School Closures and Resulting Implications

Note: This meeting will be held as a conference call. To participate or listen in, please call 1-877-278-2734 and use Pin #172076

  • Susan Aranoff, Senior Planner and Policy Analyst, Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council
  • Jeff Francis, Executive Director, VT Superintendents Association
  • Dan French, Secretary of Education
  • Colin Robinson, Political Director, Vermont National Education Association

Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
3:00 PM

Progress Reports

School Dismissal
Childcare
Continuity of Education

  • Jeanné Collins, Superintendent, Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union
  • Yaw Obeng, Superintendent, Burlington School District

Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
2:00 PM

Special Education K-12

Joint hearing with Senate Health and Welfare
Please click for the livestream.

  • Anastasia Douglas, Parent
  • Jacqueline Kelleher, State Director of Special Education, Agency of Education
  • Erin Maguire, Special Education Administrator/Westford-Essex School District, Vermont Council of Special Education Administrators
  • Kirsten Murphy, Executive Director, Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council
  • Rachel Seelig, Staff Attorney, Vermont Legal Aid Disability Law Project, Vermont Special Education Advisory Council

Thursday, April 2, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

COVID-19 Response Updates

Joint Hearing with Senate Committee on Health and Welfare
Live-streamed on Senate Health and Welfare Committee page

  • Brad James, Education Finance Manager, Agency of Education
  • Laurel Olmland, Director,Child,Adolescent, and Family Unit, Vermont Department of Mental Health
  • Jessica Robinson , Medicaid Programs Administrator, Agency of Education

Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
2:00 PM

Possible Act 173 Delay

  • Sue Ceglowski, Executive Director, Vermont School Boards Association
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Jeff Fannon, Executive Director, Vermont National Education Association
  • Dan French, Secretary, Agency of Education
2:30 PM

Default Educational Budget Language

  • Sue Ceglowski, Executive Director, Vermont School Boards Association
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Jeff Fannon, Executive Director, Vermont National Education Association
  • Brad James, Education Finance Manager, Agency of Education
3:00 PM

Committee Discussion

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Tuesday, April 14, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
2:00 PM

State of Higher Education: Projections/Needs

  • Suresh Garimella, President, University of Vermont
  • Jeb Spaulding, Chancellor, Vermont State College System
  • Susan Stitely, President, Association of Vermont Independent Colleges
--

Default Educational Budget (updated language)

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Thursday, April 16, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
2:00 PM

Education Financing

Joint meeting with Senate Finance Committee

  • Bill Bates, Chief Financial Officer, Agency of Education
  • Daniel French, Secretary, Agency of Education
  • Brad James, Education Finance Manager, Agency of Education

Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
2:00 PM

Remote Learning - Continuity of Learning Plans

  • Heather Bouchey, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Education
  • Michael Campbell, Teacher, BFA-St. Albans
  • Jess DeCarolis, Division Director, Student Pathways, Agency of Education
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • John Downes, Director, UVM Tarrant Institute for Innovative Education
  • Mike McRaith, Principal, Vermont Principals Association
  • Stephanie Miller, Elementary School Teacher
  • Donald Tinney, President, Vermont National Education Association

Thursday, April 23, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
2:00 PM

S.343 - An act relating to delaying special education changes due to the COVID-19 state of emergency

Walk-through of revised draft and vote

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
--

Committee Discussion

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
--

No Committee Meetings Scheduled


Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
--

No Committee Meetings Scheduled


Thursday, April 30, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
2:00 PM

Childcare: Parent Reimbursement

  • Steven Berbeco, Deputy Commissioner, Agency of Human Services Child Development Division
  • Linda January, Executive Director, Otter Creek Child Center
  • Aly Richards, Chief Executive Officer, Let's Grow Kids
  • Melissa Riegel-Barrett, Policy Director, Agency of Humans Services Child Development Division
  • Mary Jo Sleeper, Manager, Kids & Fitness Programs, The Edge Fitness Centers

Friday, May 1, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
--

No Committee Meetings Scheduled

10:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes


Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
2:00 PM

Immediate Funding Priorities

Committee discussion

--

S. - An act relating to a COVID-19-related child care tax credit

  • Abby Shepard, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
--

No Committee Meetings Scheduled


Thursday, May 7, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
2:00 PM

Committee Discussion

--

Where we Stand on the Reopening of Schools

  • Dan French, Secretary, Agency of Education

Friday, May 8, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
--

No Committee Meetings Scheduled


Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

2:00 PM

Suspending State Aid for School Construction Projects

  • Mark Perrault, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  • Rebecca Wasserman, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
3:00 PM

Committee Discussion


Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
--

No Committee Meetings Scheduled


Thursday, May 14, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor Convenes

2:30 PM

Suspending State Aid for School Construction Projects

  • Norm Etkind, Former Director, Energy Management Program, Vermont Superintendents Association
  • Erik Filkorn, Principal Assistant, Buildings and General Services
--

Standardized Testing for Adult Learning

  • Jess DeCarolis, Division Director, Student Pathways, Agency of Education

Friday, May 15, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
--

No Committee Meetings Scheduled


Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

12:00 PM

New England Board of Education - Trends in Higher Education

The Senate Education Committee will be attending via YouTube this meeting of the House Education Committee. This meeting will be live-streamed on the House Education Committee web page.


Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor Convenes


Thursday, May 21, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor Convenes

2:30 PM

University of Vermont and Vermont State Colleges Update

  • Ben Luce, Northern Vermont University
  • Rachel Montesano, University of Vermont
  • Joan Richmond-Hall, Moderator, Vermont Technical College Faculty Assembly
  • Helen Scott, Professor, University of Vermont
  • Tyrone Shaw, Chair, Northern Vermont University, Johnson Faculty Assembly
  • Sean Witters, Senior Lecturer, University of Vermont
4:00 PM

Brainstorming for the Lessons Learned Task Force


Friday, May 22, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes


Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

2:30 PM

Suspending State Aid for School Construction Projects

  • David Epstein, Managing Principal, TruexCullins
  • Beth Pearce, State Treasurer, Office of the State Treasurer
--

Reopening of Schools/Air Quality Systems

  • David Epstein, Managing Principal, TruexCullins
  • Norm Etkind, Former director, School Energy Management Program, Vermont Superintendents Association
  • Daniel French, Secretary, Agency of Education
  • Rebecca Wasserman, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor Convenes


Thursday, May 28, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor Convenes

2:30 PM

H.957 - An act relating to extending the deadline to test for lead in the drinking water of school buildings and child care facilities

  • David Englander, Senior Policy & Legal Advisor, Vermont Department of Health
--

Suspending State Aid for School Construction Projects

  • Michael Gaughan, Executive Director, Vermont Bond Bank, Vermont Educational & Health Buildings Finance Agency
  • Michael O'Grady, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Friday, May 29, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes


Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

2:30 PM

Childcare Stabilization

  • Steven Berbeco, Deputy Commissioner, Agency of Human Services Child Development Division
  • Aly Richards, Chief Executive Officer, Let's Grow Kids
  • Melissa Riegel-Garrett, Child Development Division Policy Director, Agency of Human Services Child Development Division
--

H.957 - An act relating to extending the deadline to test for lead in the drinking water of school buildings and child care facilities

Mark-up and vote

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Wednesday, June 3, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor Convenes


Thursday, June 4, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor Convenes

2:30 PM

UVM Childcare Closure

  • Barbara Burrington, Director, UVM Campus Children's School
  • Scott Thomas, Dean and Professor, University of Vermont
--

S.224 - An act relating to making miscellaneous changes to education laws

Strike-all and miscellaneous education language

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Friday, June 5, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes


Tuesday, June 9, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

2:30 PM

S.224 - An act relating to making miscellaneous changes to education laws

Strike-all and proposed amendment language

  • Sen. Dick Sears
--

Standardized Testing for Adult Learning

  • Jess DeCarolis, Division Director, Student Pathways, Agency of Education
  • Richard Donnelly, Senior Manager, Emerging Technologies & Services, Efficiency Vermont
  • Norm Etkind, Former director, School Energy Management Program, Vermont Superintendents Association
  • Rebecca Foster, Director, Efficiency Vermont
  • Eveline Habermann Killian, CEM, Associate Principal, Cx Associates, LLC
  • Andrew Jope, Director, YouthBuild Program, ReSOURCE
  • Thomas Longstreth, Executive Director, ReSOURCE
  • Bill Root, President & CEO, GWR Engineering, PC
  • Rebecca Wasserman, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor Convenes


Thursday, June 11, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor Convenes

2:30 PM

S.224 - An act relating to making miscellaneous changes to education laws

Strike-all and proposed amendment

  • Sen. Randy Brock, Sponsor
2:45 PM

Emergency Repair of School Ventilation Systems

  • Marc Brown, Facilities Manager, Kingdom East School District
  • Peter Burrows, Superintendent, Addison Central School District
  • Hal Cohen, Executive Director, Vermont Adult Learning
  • Bruce McIntire, Facilities Director, Williston Schools, Addison Central School District
  • Emily Simmons, General Counsel, Agency of Education

Friday, June 12, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes


Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

2:30 PM

Planning for Reopening Schools in Fall

  • Dan French, Secretary, Agency of Education
--

School Ventilation Systems

Final question re: Emergency HVAC/Air Filtering Systems Work (committee discussion)

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Rebecca Wasserman, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel

Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor Convenes


Thursday, June 18, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor Convenes


Friday, June 19, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes


Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes

2:30 PM

COVID 19 Testing Funds for Independent Colleges

  • Mark Anarumo, President, Norwich University
  • Mathew Derr, President, Sterling College
  • Tom McHenry, President and Dean, Vermont Law School
  • Laurie Quinn, Interim President, Champlain College
  • Susan Stitely, President, Association of Vermont Independent Colleges

Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor Convenes


Thursday, June 25, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor Convenes


Friday, June 26, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
11:30 AM

Senate Floor Convenes


Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
2:30 PM

Committee Discussion

4:00 PM

Adjourn


Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor


Thursday, August 27, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor

2:30 PM

Committee Discussion

School districts lacking voter-approved budgets

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel
  • Brad James, Education Finance Manager, Agency of Education
  • Chelsea Myers, Associate Executive Director, Vermont Superintendents Association
  • Jay Nichols, Executive Director, Vermont Principals' Association
3:15 PM

Agency of Education proposed legislation

  • Dan French, Secretary, Agency of Education
  • Chelsea Myers, Associate Executive Director, Vermont Superintendents Association
  • Jay Nichols, Executive Director, Vermont Principals' Association

Tuesday, September 1, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
2:30 PM

Pre-Kindergarten During the COVID Emergency

  • Meg Baker, Universal Pre-K Coordinator, Addison County
  • Aly Richards, Chief Executive Officer, Let's Grow Kids
  • Kate Rogers, Early Education Programs Manager, Agency of Education
  • William Yates, Data Administrator, District Testing Coordinator, Hartford School District
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Budget Funding for Outright Vermont

  • Mara Iverson, Director of Education, Outright Vermont
  • Dana Kaplan, Executive Director, Outright Vermont

Wednesday, September 2, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor


Thursday, September 3, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor

2:30 PM

Discussion of Miscellaneous AOE Policy Suggestions

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel

Tuesday, September 8, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
2:30 PM

Proposed CRF Education Language from HEC to HAC

  • James DesMarais, Legislative Counsel
  • Daniel French, Secretary, Agency of Education
  • Stephen Klein, Chief Legislative Fiscal Officer, Joint Fiscal Office
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CRF HVAC Grant Program

  • Sue Ceglowski, Executive Director, Vermont School Boards Association
  • Jeff Francis, Executive Director, VT Superintendents Association
  • Rosie Krueger, Assistant Director, Child Nutrition Programs, Agency of Education
  • Jody Lesko, Director of Programs and Implementation, Efficiency Vermont
  • Faye Mack, Advocacy and Education Director, Hunger Free Vermont
  • Jay Nichols, Executive Director, Vermont Principals' Association
  • Daniel Reilly, Public Affairs Director, Efficiency Vermont

Wednesday, September 9, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor


Thursday, September 10, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
1:00 PM

Senate Floor

2:30 PM

Proposed CRF Education Language from HEC to HAC

  • Jeff Fannon, Executive Director, Vermont National Education Association
  • Jeff Francis, Executive Director, VT Superintendents Association
  • Stephen Klein, Chief Legislative Fiscal Officer, Joint Fiscal Office
  • Mark Perrault, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  • Chloe Wexler, Fiscal Data Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
2:30 PM

Proposed CRF Education Language from HEC to HAC

  • Benjamin Akande, President, Champlain College
  • Richard Cate, Chief Financial Officer, University of Vermont
  • Sophia Howlett, President, SIT Graduate Institute
  • Susan Stitely, President, Association of Vermont Independent Colleges

Thursday, September 24, 2020
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Meeting Record
--

Committee Not Meeting