Secretary Saunders's 100-Day Plan

Message from Secretary Saunders

I am truly honored for the opportunity to serve as Vermont’s Secretary of Education at a time when the Agency of Education (AOE) needs strong, consistent leadership and stakeholders across the state are aligned in strengthening our public schools. I recognize that our public education system faces many challenges and that the work ahead will not be easy. However, I believe that together we will develop consensus on a path forward, building on the strengths of our public schools and Vermonters to create an even brighter future for students.

In my first two weeks on the job, I have traveled across the state to familiarize myself with the education landscape. I have enjoyed meeting with superintendents, principals, teachers, and community members who all share a deep commitment to our public schools.

I’ve heard a few key themes so far, which have informed my 100-Day Plan.

• First, there is a great interest in developing a unifying vision for the future of education in Vermont. This has been an overarching theme, touching on issues of education finance, education quality, enrollment, facilities, and workforce development.
• Second, there are questions about how we can balance Vermont’s motto of freedom and unity, as we strive to achieve shared education goals while celebrating local control and customization.
• Third, the issue of mental health has emerged as we grapple with ways to meet students’ expanding needs.
• Fourth, our public school system has experienced significant upheaval over the past five years. Our educators have exhibited resilience in responding to the challenges of the global Covid-19 pandemic and now are adjusting to a series of large-scale policy changes that impact operations, curriculum, and budgeting.

These topics require us to think strategically about how to provide equitable learning opportunities and support, increase academic achievement, and ensure sustainable education financing for the future. Spending time in the field has also reaffirmed my belief in the strengths of Vermont’s education system. I take great pride in our commitment to personalized learning, active community involvement, and inclusive approaches. As a mother of two school-age children about to enroll in Vermont’s public schools, I deeply understand the importance of my role in guiding the AOE.

My 100-Day Plan prioritizes listening, learning, and tackling emergent needs. I look forward to hosting town halls and focus groups across the state. These forums will create an opportunity for all of us – teachers, non-instructional staff, principals, superintendents, students, parents, and community partners - to come together to discuss our educational priorities. I recognize that there are also immediate needs related to issues such as compliance, data availability, and field support. Within my first 100 days, I will seek input on how the AOE can help support the field’s immediate challenges while building a strong foundation for the future.

I am a passionate believer in public education and trust that, together, we will elevate our public school system to new heights, making Vermont a national exemplar of educational excellence from early childhood to career. The best is yet to come.

Sincerely,

Zoie Saunders, M.Ed.

Secretary of Education