The Vermont Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a lawsuit brought by two state senators that alleged Gov. Phil Scott violated state law and the Vermont Constitution by naming Zoie Saunders to serve as interim education secretary last April.
Suit Challenging Ed Secretary Saunders’ Appointment Dismissed
Suit Challenging Ed Secretary Saunders’ Appointment Dismissed
By Alison Novak
Education
In Friday’s ruling, the court wrote that Scott’s November appointment of Saunders to permanent secretary “rendered this case moot.”
“This latter appointment superseded the earlier appointment and is plainly consistent with the process for recess appointments” set by state statute, the ruling stated.
But the court ruling did say that the latest appointment would “be subject to the Senate’s advice and consent.”
“At this juncture, we can only speculate about how the Senate will vote on Ms. Saunders’ nomination and what the Governor might do should her nomination be rejected,” it stated.
Scott Names Zoie Saunders Education Secretary — Again
Scott Names Zoie Saunders Education Secretary — Again
By Kevin McCallum
News
“The justices very clearly found that Scott’s appointment of Saunders in November was subject to the advice and consent of the Senate,” she said.
It is unclear when the Senate will again weigh in on Saunders’ appointment. Sen. Alison Clarkson (D-Windsor) said on Friday that she expects a vote will take place this session, but it is not currently scheduled.
In recent weeks, Saunders has spent many hours in legislative committee hearings, pitching the governor’s education transformation plan to lawmakers.
Kevin McCallum contributed reporting.