Task Force on Collaboration to Benefit All Students
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont School Boards Association (VSBA) has released the final report from the Task Force on Collaboration to Benefit All Students, identifying and addressing long-standing challenges within the state's education leadership structure. These challenges have impacted the ability of districts to meet Vermont's commitment to equity in public education, as codified in Title 16 of Vermont statutes, which guarantee that all children have access to substantially equal educational opportunities.
The Task Force, composed of representatives from each of the 11 VSBA regions, sought input from key stakeholders across the education system, including the Interim Secretary of Education, the Chair of the State Board of Education, school board members, superintendents, and staff from Vermont educational organizations.
Their findings highlight two central themes:
- The need for timely and consistent access to valid data about Vermont schools.
- The need for structural improvements in and support to the Agency of Education and the State Board of Education to better meet their statutory responsibilities in public education.
VSBA Executive Director, Sue Ceglowski, emphasized the importance of this report as a launching point for future collaboration. "The health of our public schools is crucial to Vermont’s long-term prosperity. This report provides actionable recommendations to ensure that the state's education system is strong, equitable, and able to meet the needs of all students," said Ceglowski.
Key Recommendations from the Task Force Include:
- Expand and Maintain a Comprehensive & Accurate Data Dashboard: A publicly accessible dashboard to monitor the state’s ability to meet its education policy needs.
- Improve the Capacity of the Agency of Education: A comprehensive organizational analysis to understand and address why the Agency has struggled to meet its statutory responsibilities.
Review and Improve the Function of the State Board of Education: Adherence to the governance standards in the District Quality Standards, including an annual self-assessment of adherence to these standards.
- Depoliticize the State Board of Education: Expand the appointment process and ensure resources for effective governance.
- Prioritize Existing Legislation: Avoid adopting new legislation without first addressing current gaps in data and structures, which has led to a pattern of failing to support existing policy.
- Acknowledge the Work of the Commission on the Future of Public Education: Support the Commission’s ongoing efforts to improve funding, delivery, and governance.
The Task Force's work underscores the need for non-partisan collaboration and data-driven decisions to ensure Vermont provides high-quality, inclusive education for all students. With the right leadership and resources, Vermont can continue to build on its commitment to public education, a core tenet of a democratic society.
For more information or to access the full report, visit https://link.vtvsba.org/FINALTaskForce.pdf or contact Sue Ceglowski, VSBA Executive Director.
About the Vermont School Boards Association: The Vermont School Boards Association (VSBA) is a private, nonprofit membership association serving the elected officials who govern Vermont’s public schools. The VSBA is dedicated to supporting school boards as they navigate the policy landscape and work to ensure equitable, high-quality public education for all students across Vermont. To learn more, visit us at vtvsba.org or contact us at [email protected].
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