Alison Novak

An executive order from President Trump prohibits transgender girls in school sports. But in Vermont, it's illegal to deny them equal opportunities.

In its ruling, the court wrote that when Gov. Phil Scott appointed Zoie Saunders to the permanent secretary position in November, he "rendered this case moot."

Education Secretary Zoie Saunders said the move would increase efficiency. Critics, though, argue it would concentrate too much power within the agency.

Sen. Phil Baruth said making all students eligible for school choice could sink broader efforts to overhaul education governance and funding.

The idea of expanding school choice is a sensitive subject in Vermont, a state where the vast majority of students attend public schools.

Under the administration's proposal, the state would provide $13,200 per student. Certain students that cost more to educate would receive additional money.

The legislation would require school districts to adopt policies to prohibit students from using cellphones and personal electronic devices during the day.

The Northeast Kingdom school hired three Filipina educators. Though other states have used the strategy to fill vacancies, it's a novel approach in Vermont.

The Scott administration is proposing a transition to a foundation formula, a commonly used way of paying for schools that would give more power to the state.

Gov. Phil Scott's administration wants to overhaul how Vermont's schools are funded, governed and evaluated. The state would have just five regional districts.