Former Democratic state Sen. Brian Campion has been appointed by Gov. Phil Scott to the State Board of Education.
Campion, from Bennington, spent a combined 14 years in the Vermont House and Senate, including a stint as chair of the Senate Education Committee. He is set to replace former board member Kim Gleason, as first reported by Seven Days.
Scott, a Republican, chose him because he considers multiple perspectives, according to spokesperson Amanda Wheeler.
“Governor Scott has seen the former Senator show a deep commitment to and understanding of Vermont’s education system and has demonstrated the ability to understand and consider multiple perspectives when addressing issues – which is a quality that is extremely important given the current focus on education transformation,” Wheeler wrote in an email.
The State Board of Education regulates standards for student performance, oversees adult basic education programs and is responsible for the approval of independent schools, among other duties. It is responsible for ensuring equal access to a quality education for all Vermont students. It has 11 members, including 9 voting members, who are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Vermont Senate.
Campion was one of just three Senate Democrats to vote in favor of confirming Zoie Saunders as secretary of education in 2024. Saunders, whom Scott eventually reappointed to the position, was criticized by some legislators for her lack of experience with public schools.
Campion’s nomination comes a week after Scott and Saunders unveiled their 176-page “education transformation proposal.” The plan would consolidate Vermont’s more than 100 school districts into five and radically reimagine how the state provides funding for education.
Campion said his hope is to enhance educational opportunities for all Vermont students.
“Providing an excellent education is essential to a successful democracy,” Campion wrote in an email. “Working to improve public education is my top priority. I want to make certain teachers and staff have the resources they need to be as successful as possible.”
