(The Center Square) – Vermont Gov. Phil Scott is defending his selection as education secretary amid criticism from Democrats over Florida's charter and for-profit school history.
Last week, Scott nominated Zoe Sanders to head the Vermont Department of Education. Sanders most recently worked in Broward County, Florida, schools, where he was selected to replace Dan French, who resigned last year.
Shortly after her nomination, the Vermont Progressive Party posted a blistering attack on her record with for-profit charter schools, which the party said raised “serious questions about her suitability for the role.”
“Not only does she lack the necessary experience in public education, but her track record shows a propensity for policies that weaken rather than strengthen public schools,” the party said in a blog post. ” he said.
Vermont Democratic Party Chairman David Glidden said he had “grave concerns” about Sanders' history working for a charter school company in Florida, saying it was “a public school system that was used to enrich private businesses.” “We are leading the country in dismantling schools.”
Scott, a Republican, said he was “disappointed” by the criticism and said that as the Senate prepares to consider her nomination, some members “believed misinformation, made assumptions and attacked her character.” '', he expressed concern.
“Disturbingly, all these false charges and convictions are based on the state she currently resides in and select parts of her resume that have been turned into a boogeyman without any attempt to understand the value that her work and experience bring.” “For Vermont's children and schools,” he said in a statement.
Scott said the derogatory remarks come at a time when Vermont is struggling to hire more people to fill state government vacancies. He said it sends a “terrible message” for a state that prides itself on being welcoming. and attracts young families.
“Frankly, there are many smart, highly capable professional women who have dedicated their careers to improving outcomes for children and addressing inequalities in poor communities and families who simply blame the state. “I'm perplexed by the message that I'm being demonized in the place where I currently live,” he said.
The director's job pays $168,000 a year with benefits and oversees about 150 employees at the Education Department, according to job postings for the position.
Scott nominated Sanders from a short list of candidates vetted by the State Board of Education over the past year. He said that if the public had the opportunity to learn more about Sanders, “they would see that she is a person who cares deeply about improving the outcomes of her students, and she has a track record of doing just that.” I guess so.''
He said the new jobs, if approved by the Senate, will help the state “address critical cost challenges in a way that best serves our children, teachers, schools, employers and taxpayers.” He said he was deaf.
“This is exactly what we need right now, and I look forward to working with her to make Vermont the best cradle-to-career education system in the country, while ensuring Vermonters retain this important investment.” I'm looking forward to it,” Scott said.
