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Vermont School Boards Association releases final report from Task Force on Collaboration to Benefit All Students

MONTPELIER, Vt. —  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: 

  1. The need for timely and consistent access to valid data about Vermont schools. 
  1. 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. 

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 link.vtvsba.org/FINALTaskForce.pdf or contact Sue Ceglowski, VSBA Executive Director.