The bill H.701, introduced by Representatives Tomlinson, Berbeco, and McCann, aims to enhance the accountability of the Secretary of Education in addressing deficiencies in education quality standards within Vermont public schools. It mandates that any recommendations made by the Secretary to correct such deficiencies must be supported by comprehensive, district-validated multiyear data. Additionally, if the Secretary assumes control of a school to rectify these deficiencies, they must demonstrate progress within two years; otherwise, control will revert to the local school board. The bill also outlines specific actions the Secretary can recommend, including providing technical assistance, adjusting supervisory union boundaries, or closing schools, while ensuring that the least intrusive measures are taken.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions that protect school districts from recommendations based solely on student performance data if they have demonstrated higher growth rates compared to statewide averages over three years. It also stipulates that actions cannot be recommended based on insufficient comparative data for demographic groups. The State Board is tasked with reviewing the Secretary's recommendations and has the authority to either dismiss them or order actions, ensuring that any measures taken are the least intrusive necessary to provide equal educational opportunities. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 16-165