Zoie Saunders assumed the role of Vermont’s Secretary of Education in April 2024, first as an interim appointee and later as the permanent secretary, appointed by Governor Phil Scott in November 2024.
Her tenure has been marked by ambition, controversy, and a complex educational landscape in Vermont—a state grappling with declining enrollment, rising costs, and debates over equity and quality in public education.
With nearly two decades of experience in education strategy and innovation, Saunders brought a unique perspective to the role.
But how successful has she been in translating that experience into tangible outcomes for Vermont’s students, educators, and communities? This article evaluates her work and achievements to date.
Background and Appointment: A Polarizing Start
Saunders’ appointment was contentious from the outset. With a resume that includes significant time as Vice President of Strategy at Charter Schools USA—a for-profit charter school network in Florida—and a brief stint as Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Broward County Public Schools, critics questioned her qualifications for leading Vermont’s public education system. Her limited direct experience in traditional public schools (just three months in Broward County before her appointment) and lack of classroom or administrative roles like teacher or principal fueled skepticism. The Vermont Senate’s initial rejection of her confirmation in April 2024 by a 19-9 vote—the first such rejection of a cabinet-level nominee in recent memory—underscored these concerns, with opponents citing a mismatch between her background and Vermont’s needs.
Governor Scott, however, stood by Saunders, naming her interim secretary immediately after the Senate vote and later appointing her permanently during a legislative recess. He praised her “strategic thinking” and “fresh perspective,” arguing that her experience in large-scale school improvement and workforce development could address Vermont’s pressing challenges. This polarizing start set the stage for Saunders to prove her detractors wrong—or validate their fears.
Key Initiatives: Listening, Learning, and Leading
Since taking office, Saunders has prioritized engagement and data-driven decision-making, launching several initiatives to understand and improve Vermont’s education system:
Listen and Learn Tour: One of Saunders’ first moves was a statewide “Listen and Learn” tour, where she and her team met with educators, parents, students, and community members. This effort aimed to identify local needs and inform the Agency of Education’s strategic priorities. Reports suggest it has fostered dialogue, though concrete policy outcomes remain in development as of early 2025.
Literacy Initiative: Saunders has championed a new literacy program, responding to concerns about student reading proficiency—a persistent issue exacerbated by pandemic-related learning loss. While details are still emerging, this initiative signals a focus on foundational skills, a critical area for long-term academic success.
Data Collection and Transparency: Recognizing Vermont’s complex education finance system and uneven student outcomes, Saunders has pushed for enhanced data reporting. Her team has issued reports comparing Vermont’s system to other states, aiming to equip stakeholders with better tools to address affordability and performance gaps.
Sweeping Reform Proposal: In January 2025, Saunders unveiled a bold plan to transform Vermont’s K-12 system, including school district consolidation, a revised funding formula, and statewide curriculum standards. This proposal, backed by Governor Scott, seeks to address declining enrollment and rising property taxes but has sparked debate over its potential to centralize control and cut programs like universal school meals.
Successes: Building a Foundation
Saunders’ early tenure shows signs of progress. The “Listen and Learn” tour has been praised for its inclusivity, giving voice to rural communities often overlooked in state-level policy-making. Her emphasis on data transparency has begun to demystify Vermont’s education finance system, earning cautious approval from legislators and administrators seeking clarity. The literacy initiative, while nascent, aligns with evidence-based priorities that could yield measurable gains over time.
Her collaborative approach has also won her allies. Senator Brian Campion, a Democrat who supported her confirmation, has called her “exceptional,” citing her intellect and dedication. Anecdotal feedback from educators suggests she’s approachable—a contrast to perceptions of bureaucratic disconnect under prior leadership. Moreover, Saunders’ outsider perspective has brought fresh ideas to a state system long criticized for inertia.
Challenges and Criticisms: Trust and Tangible Results
Despite these efforts, Saunders faces significant hurdles. Her lack of deep roots in public education continues to erode trust among educators and unions, such as the Vermont NEA, which initially opposed her due to her charter school ties. While she and Scott have disavowed charter schools for Vermont, skepticism lingers about her alignment with public education values—especially given the reform proposal’s shift from universal meals to a means-tested model, seen by some as a step back from equity.
Results remain elusive. The “Listen and Learn” tour, while a strong start, has yet to produce a cohesive strategy, leaving some to question its impact beyond optics. The literacy initiative lacks public metrics to gauge success, and the broader reform plan faces resistance from communities wary of consolidation and loss of local control. Vermont’s education system—marked by small, rural districts and a unique funding structure—requires nuanced leadership, and Saunders’ short tenure in traditional public schools raises doubts about her ability to navigate these complexities.
Measuring Success: A Work in Progress
Assessing Saunders’ success after less than a year is premature, but her trajectory offers clues. She has laid a foundation for change—engaging stakeholders, prioritizing data, and proposing ambitious reforms—but translating these into improved student outcomes, educator morale, or fiscal stability will take time.
Vermont’s challenges predate her arrival: a 20% drop in student enrollment over two decades, per-pupil spending among the nation’s highest, and stagnant test scores. Saunders inherited a system in crisis, and her success hinges on whether her strategic vision can overcome structural and political obstacles.
Critically, her outsider status cuts both ways. It brings innovation but risks missteps in a state proud of its local governance traditions. Her reliance on Scott’s support, rather than broad legislative buy-in, could limit her effectiveness if tensions with the Democrat-led Senate persist. Success, then, may depend less on her resume and more on her ability to build trust and deliver results in a skeptical environment.
Conclusion: A Leader at a Crossroads
Zoie Saunders’ tenure as Vermont Education Secretary is a high-stakes experiment. Her work reflects a blend of proactive engagement and strategic ambition, earning her a foothold in a challenging role. Yet, her success remains unproven, tethered to the pace of implementation and the reception of her reforms. For now, she stands at a crossroads—poised to either redefine Vermont’s education system or falter under the weight of its complexities. As 2025 unfolds, Vermonters will watch closely to see if Saunders can turn her vision into a legacy of progress.
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