The Vermont School Boards Association on Monday announced the retirement of executive director Steve Dale.
Dale has served as head of the VSBA since 2011, and will leave his position at the end of August, the association stated. VSBA general counsel Nicole Mace will replace Dale on Sept. 1.
The VSBA is an organization representing school board members across Vermont.
In the announcement, the organization credited Dale with working to strengthen board development, legal services and communications with school board members.
“He has served as a strong advocate on behalf of Vermont’s school boards in the Legislature and has worked tirelessly to ensure school boards are active participants in the statewide discussion about how to deliver high quality education to every child at a cost taxpayers can support,” the VSBA announcement said. “Steve’s commitment to public education, his long history in public service, and his love of Vermont’s small communities will be missed by the organization.”
Mace has served for 3½ years in her present role as general counsel for the VSBA.
Before joining the VSBA, Mace served as research director and senior policy advocate for Voices for Vermont Children. She holds a law degree and a master’s degree in Public Policy and Management. She also serves on the Winooski City Council.
“Vermont’s school boards are blessed to have two very high quality leaders serving their Association,” Emily Long, president of the VSBA Board, said in Monday’s announcement. “Leadership changes are always challenging, but we are very pleased to have continuity at this critical time for Vermont’s school boards.
“Steve has done a great job helping us develop our range of services and our place at the table in the Statehouse. Nicole will be able to pick up that mantle and move forward seamlessly. School boards will be leading significant changes in their communities over the next few years and need strong and consistent guidance and support.”