Vermont Agency of Education gathers stakeholders for statewide strategic planning retreat

More than 300 participants, including educators, students, school leaders, legislators, staff from the Vermont Agency of Education (AOE), and education partners attended a statewide Strategic Planning Retreat organized by the AOE on November 4 in Killington. The event was held to shape a vision for education across Vermont and advance the agency’s five strategic pillars: academic excellence, college and career readiness, safe and healthy schools, operational effectiveness, and enhanced support for all learners.

Secretary of Education Zoie Saunders opened the retreat with a call for ongoing collaboration. “This planning retreat is not a one-and-done session — it's part of a continuing effort to build on what we’ve learned, evaluate where we are today and where we must focus next, and create a call to action with clear, collective steps forward,” she said. “Together, we will give every child roots to grow, wings to soar, and a system that supports their success along the way.”

The keynote speech addressed both strengths and challenges within Vermont’s education system. It recognized educators’ dedication while pointing out opportunities for improvement in coordination and future planning.

A panel titled “Roots and Wings” featured Mohamed Diop from the State Board of Education; Linda Alvarez, who will be Teacher of the Year in 2026; and Olympic gold medalist Barbara Ann Cochran. They discussed personal experiences that inform their perspectives on helping students gain strong foundations and confidence.

Chris Young, principal at North Country Union High School, said: “I feel deeply connected to my school and deeply connected to Vermont.” He also emphasized that supporting students requires efforts to “help them define what a successful future looks like in Vermont.”

Breakout sessions throughout the afternoon covered topics such as graduation requirements statewide, special education strategy development, workforce issues among educators, promoting safety in schools, as well as other key components necessary for building an effective state-wide educational framework.

Governor Phil Scott addressed attendees during lunch. He highlighted education’s role in economic growth and community revitalization: “I believe having the best education system in America is a powerful tool so we can grow the economy, keep and attract young families, revitalize communities, refill schools, and build a better future for all of us,” said Governor Scott.

According to organizers at the Agency of Education website (https://education.vermont.gov/), input gathered from this retreat will guide ongoing strategic planning efforts. Further engagement through follow-up work groups is planned over coming months.