Vt. Senate committee votes 3 to 2 to forward ed secretary nominee

MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – Governor Phil Scott’s pick for education secretary on Wednesday received a tepid 3 to 2 endorsement from a key Senate committee.

During what was mostly a cordial hearing Tuesday, Zoie Saunders answered questions from the Senate Education Committee about her background and how she would lead the Agency of Education.

Saunders comes to the Green Mountain State by way of Florida, where she served with the city of Fort Lauderdale and managed finances for charter schools. However, her appointment was met with concerns she has never worked in a public school directly with students. Others are concerned she will value independent and private schools, which could chip away at public school funding.

The full Senate is expected to vote next week on her confirmation.