Governor reappoints Saunders as VT secretary of education six months after senate rejection

This story will be updated.

Gov. Phil Scott (R-Vermont) has reappointed controversial pick Zoie Saunders as secretary of education more than six months after the state senate failed to confirm her in the role.

Saunders, who has served on an interim basis since April 30, will reassume the permanent cabinet seat effective immediately, the governor’s office announced on Tuesday. Whether she will hold onto the position a second time remains unknown as she will still need to be confirmed by the senate, which retains a meager Democratic majority. Senators need a simple majority to approve or deny a nominee for the secretary of education seat.

Critics initially spoke out against Saunders — who Scott chose from a pool of candidates recommended by the state Board of Education — due to her lack of public school experience and history with the charter school movement. Tensions only increased when Scott appointed Saunders as interim secretary of education following the senate’s 19-9 vote against her permanent promotion. In response, Sens. Tanya Vyhovsky (P/D-Chittenden) and Richard McCormack (D-Windsor) filed a lawsuit against Scott and Saunders, arguing the governor had violated the state constitution by circumventing the will of the senate. A Vermont Superior Court judge eventually dismissed the lawsuit. Vyhovsky and McCormack are appealing the dismissal.

However, Scott made no mention of the controversies surrounding Saunders’ selection in his press release broadcasting her promotion. The announcement instead centered around her time spent as interim secretary, highlighting her “Listen and Learn” tour intended to understand schools’ short-term and long-term needs for success.

“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,” Scott said. “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.”

Saunders called her position a “privilege” in the press release announcing her promotion.

“I’m incredibly proud of my team at the Agency of Education for the work we have accomplished together,” she said. “The Agency will continue to prioritize enhanced data reporting, collaboration, and statewide continuous improvement to ensure every Vermont student benefits from a world class education. As a parent of two school-aged children, I will always keep students at the forefront of our work. I am grateful to Governor Scott for his confidence in my leadership and his support of the Agency’s efforts to promote education quality, equity, and sustainability.”

Megan Stewart is a government accountability reporter for the Burlington Free Press. Contact her at mstewartyounger@gannett.com.