Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Senate Committee on Committees, which includes Senator Phil Baruth (D/P, Chittenden-Central), Senator Ginny Lyons (D, Chittenden-Southeast), and Lt. Governor John Rodgers (R-Vermont), today announced appointments to the School District Redistricting Task Force, created in Act 73 (H.454) of 2025, An act relating to transforming Vermont’s education governance, quality, and finance systems.
The Committee was charged with appointing one retired or former Vermont superintendent, one retired or former Vermont school business manager, and three current members of the Vermont Senate, not all from the same party nor the same school district.
The appointees include:
- Dr. Jennifer Botzojorns, retired superintendent for the Kingdom East School District
- Chris Locarno, retired director of finance and facilities for the Central Vermont Supervisory Union
- Senator Scott Beck (R-Caledonia)
- Senator Martine Gulick (D-Chittenden Central)
- Senator Wendy Harrison (D-Windham)
On the appointments to the Task Force, Senator Lyons said, “I look forward to this next step forward to advance Vermont's educational goals for our communities, educators, and kids.”
"Transforming the governance, funding, and quality of our schools is a herculean, once-in-a-generation undertaking,” said Lt. Governor John Rodgers. “We are fortunate to have so many dedicated and qualified Vermonters who are willing to serve our state in this effort. I am extremely optimistic that we have the best and brightest working to strengthen public education for our children, our taxpayers, and the future of our democracy and our state."
"Vermonters have called on us to thoughtfully transform our education system to increase equity, educational opportunity and create a funding structure that is more transparent and predictable," said Senator Baruth. "We've made significant progress and there's much more work ahead. I'm confident in the Task Force's ability to lead the next stage of this important work."
In creating the district proposals, the Task Force’s goal is to increase equitable access to educational opportunity for all of Vermont’s students. The Task Force will hold public hearings, in consultation with the Commission on the Future of Public Education, to receive and consider feedback from members of the public regarding school district consolidation and proposed boundaries.
“I am both honored and excited to be appointed to the School District Redistricting Task Force,” said Dr. Jennifer Botzojourns. “I look forward to the important work of shaping options for the future of Vermont's public education system."
“I’m honored to have been appointed to the School District Redistricting Task Force and look forward to contributing to this important effort,” said Chris Locarno. “I understand the complexities school districts face and I’m committed to helping find practical, equitable solutions that serve students, families, and communities across the state."
On his appointment to the Task Force, Senator Beck said, “I look forward to this important work and providing Vermont students from all corners of Vermont with an excellent education.”
“We’ve established the framework and our success in improving the system will depend on getting the details right,” said Senator Harrison. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on those details.”
“I look forward to working with colleagues to create an educational landscape that is right-sized and provides equity within a thriving public education system,” said Senator Gulick.
The first meeting of the Task Force will be called by Governor Scott’s appointee, David Wolk, on or before August 1, 2025, with district proposals due to the legislature on December 1, 2025.
Office of the Vermont Senate President Pro Tempore
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