After nearly a year of investigation, Vermont Governor Phil Scott announced his appointment to lead the state Education Agency this morning.
In April 2023, then-Secretary of Education Dan French resigned to serve on the Council of Chief State School Officers. After a nearly year-long search, Scott announced the appointment of a Florida native to lead the Vermont Education Agency.
“It's great to be here today to introduce Zoe Sanders, Vermont's next Secretary of Education,” Scott said. “And we're happy to have her husband and two children here as well today. They're relocating from Florida, and Zoe is currently the sixth-largest school in the nation with more than 200,000 students. I'm the chief strategy and innovation officer for Broward County Schools, which is a large school district in the United States. By the way, here in Vermont we have about 84,000 students statewide.”
The Republican added that Sanders brings an excellent academic background and great management experience.
“She is a problem solver, a leader, an innovator, and passionate about improving outcomes for children,” Scott said. “And that’s where we have to focus: How can we get the best outcomes for the students we serve? It's no secret that we're in a phase. We have big, big challenges. But we also believe we have a lot of opportunity, and I'm confident Zoe will help us get through both. doing.”
The State Board of Education was tasked with establishing a search committee to find a new secretary. School Board Chair Jennifer Samuelson said Sanders has met all of the caveats specified in the governor's request for education agency leadership.
“Zoe impressed the board with her extensive experience with the public school system. Skills in collaborating and building consensus among different groups. Strategies for leveraging resources to do more with less. and her proven track record in government and education policy,” Samuelson said. “She is a talented leader who is passionate about improving opportunities and outcomes for students, and we share her enthusiasm to serve as the next Secretary of Education.”
Sanders said he is honored to serve in a state with a strong history and tradition of prioritizing education and the needs of children.
“I am energized and motivated by the Governor's bold vision to make Vermont a national model for the best educational outcomes in America from cradle to career,” Sanders said. “I have dedicated my career to expanding educational opportunities, especially in underserved communities. I lead public school governance in the sixth largest school district in the country. I bring diverse leadership experience, including leadership experience, and business strategy experience focused on driving academic improvement in multiple states. I believe passionately in the power of education.”
Sanders will officially take office on April 15, replacing interim Secretary Heather Boushey.
