MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermont Governor Phil Scott for the second time Tuesday appointed Zoie Saunders as his education secretary.
Saunders has served as the state’s interim education secretary since April after her first appointment was voted down 19 to 9 by the Vermont Senate. Lawmakers have cited concerns about Saunders’ background and qualifications for the role.
After losing a lawsuit in Vermont Superior Court, two Democratic lawmakers have since appealed the governor’s appointment of Saunders to the Vermont Supreme Court, saying his administration essentially bypassed the Senate’s role to advise and consent.
Since then, Scott says Saunders has traveled the state working to understand local educational needs. “Since day one, I have believed Zoie Saunders is the right person at the right time to lead the Agency of Education. We face significant challenges, with declining enrollment, student performance, and affordability within our education system, and we need thoughtful leadership to work our way through this,” Governor Scott said in a statement. “In her six months at the Agency of Education, Zoie has demonstrated a strong commitment to working with teachers, students, parents, administrators, and community members, so together, we can build a stronger education system. I believe those who have met Zoie have seen how valuable her experience and expertise is.”
The governor says Saunders’ appointment is effective immediately.
It is not immediately clear what options lawmakers will have when they return in January. Those who opposed Saunders’ confirmation in the spring will also find a new political realignment in the Senate that could favor her appointment when they return.