Local business owner and former state official John S. Hall is the newest member of St. Johnsbury Academy’s Board of Trustees. President of St. Johnsbury-based Caledonia Supply Co. Inc since 1970 and St. Johnsbury Town Manager from 1996-2000, Hall served as Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Affairs from 2003-2008. Earlier, he served as executive director of the Northeastern Vermont Development Association (NVDA), from 2001-2003.
He also served as a member of the St. Johnsbury School Board from 1976-1985, chairing the body from 1977-1981 and 1983-1985; St. Johnsbury Selectboard from 1990-1993; Vermont Board of Education from 1987-1990 and 2009-2011, serving as Vice Chair from 1987-29; and Representative to the State Legislature from 1993-1996, chairing the House Education Committee from 1995-1996.
Elected to the Academy Board at its May 7 meeting, Hall is a member of the school’s Class of 1966 and also served as an Academy Trustee from 1977-2009.
“When John left the Board to serve on the State Board of Education, I had always hoped he would return,” Academy Headmaster Tom Lovett said. “His broad understanding of educational issues, his keen insight in areas of governance, and his deep love of the Academy are all traits that made him a valued Trustee for so many years. I have missed his presence at Trustee and Academy events, and I am truly excited that he will rejoin this talented Board once again.”