Seven months after the Vermont Senate refused to confirm Zoie Saunders as secretary of education, Gov. Phil Scott is giving it another go.
Scott announced Tuesday that he had again appointed Saunders to the role, effective that day. She had been serving in an interim capacity since April 30, when the Senate voted 19-9 against her confirmation — and Scott shortly thereafter appointed her to the temporary role.
It was not immediately clear Tuesday what recourse the Senate might have to oppose her reappointment, should it choose to do so. The Legislature has adjourned for the biennium, and newly elected lawmakers are not scheduled to take office until January.
In a press release announcing Saunders’ reappointment, Scott’s office made no mention of the Senate’s previous rejection. Instead, it focused on her work over the past half-year leading the Agency of Education in an interim capacity.
Scott said in a written statement that he had believed Saunders was “the right person at the right time” to lead the agency “since day one.”
“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,” Scott said. “I believe those who have met Zoie have seen how valuable her experience and expertise is.”
This story will be updated.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Phil Scott again appoints Zoie Saunders secretary of education, half a year after the Senate refused to confirm her.