Ethan Weinstein

The governor’s team suggested Phil Scott would not support aid without cuts from elsewhere in the state budget. Lawmakers, for their part, did not propose a specific revenue source to fund the program.

The Legislature’s fiscal experts, who led the day’s proceedings, had mixed news to share.

Addressing the surging cost of education is expected to be the top topic when the Legislature convenes in January.

Vermont prisons have struggled to accommodate youth involved in the criminal justice system. How much will a planned juvenile facility help?

Stakeholders have questioned the Vermont Agency of Education’s data capabilities. Saunders, the state’s interim education secretary, said improvements are underway.

“This is what voters told us last Tuesday: We need to fix the education funding system in Vermont,” said Sen. Thomas Chittenden, D-Chittenden Southeast.

Samuel Wright, 66, died on Oct. 19, according to the Vermont Department of Corrections.

Incarcerated people want to be part of the decision making, but barriers remain.

“I think it's the first time in a while that some incumbents are being held accountable and feel like they're a little bit on the defensive,” Gov. Phil Scott’s campaign manager, Jason Maulucci, said.

Gov. Phil Scott appointed Zoie Saunders as interim secretary of education immediately after the Vermont Senate rejected her permanent appointment.