Vermont Senate confirms appointment of Education Secretary Zoie Saunders in 22-8 vote
Vermont’s Education Secretary Zoie Saunders was up for her second full senate confirmation vote Thursday afternoon after being voted down 19-9 last year.
This year was much different as the Senate confirmed her appointment on a 22-8 vote.
Many Democrats changed their votes from roughly a year ago due to lawmakers now attempting to overhaul education in the state.
They admit while they don’t agree with everything she has put out; she is capable of the job.
“We need a confirmed secretary of education now, we are in the process of trying to transform our entire educational system. If that doesn't make you shake in your boots that we could get things wrong, then I would suggest you think about it again,” said Sen Phil Baruth, the Senate Pro Tem.
Some cited it’s been years since there was a confirmed education secretary after Dan French left.
“I'm also voting yes because I truly cannot see how removing the head of the Agency of Education right now is going to make everything better,” said Sen. Nader Hashim who voted against Saunders last year.
The Vermont Supreme Court recently ruled with Gov. Phil Scott on her reappointment which spoke volumes to many, and she also answered many of their questions.
“Would this new secretary lead or would she and the administration wait and allow us to muck around then send them something they would veto, they clearly are not playing that game and they are playing to win for everybody,” Baruth said.
However, some remained concerned with what they've heard from their voters.
“The senate already voted no on this appointment and that no was ignored, hundreds of Vermonters have again reached out to us begging us not to confirm this appointment,” said Sen. Tanya Vyhovsky a Progressive senator.
Others don’t feel she’s fit for the job and haven’t prioritized education issues correctly.
“I know the Secretary of Education came in with some disfunction and some difficulties I want to acknowledge that, yet what I don't see is that she's prioritized the things that need to get done,” said Sen. Martine Gulick, a Democrat from Chittenden Co.
Senate Education Chair Seth Bongartz has reminded everyone throughout the process that at the end of the day they don't have to agree with everything she's proposed but she's shown she's fit for the job and it's the governors pick.
“Our job was to determine whether she is qualified to be secretary, she is clearly qualified,” Bongartz said.
After the vote, Gov. Phil Scott thanked the senators who backed her and said there is a lot of work to be done as they attempt to make drastic changes to the state's education system.
Saunders' confirmation will run for two years through 2027.