Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott today announced the appointments of John Carroll of Norwich and John O’Keefe of Manchester Center to Vermont’s State Board of Education.
The Board is responsible for the establishment, advancement and evaluation of public education policy, including regulations governing attendance, student performance standards, adult basic education programs, independent school approvals, and disbursement of funds and equal access to education.
“Both appointees have a demonstrated commitment to public service and impressive policy knowledge,” said Gov. Scott. “They both deeply value the importance of education and a strong, effective education system, which is critical as we look to build a cradle-to-career continuum of learning that benefits students, attracts working families to Vermont and strengthens our workforce.”
Carroll, now retired, volunteers with local Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), supporting management functions and traveling to Ethiopia and Kenya annually. Prior to retirement, he was the Director of Global Services for Hanover-based Hypertherm, Inc. for eight years. Carroll served six years in the Vermont State Senate beginning in 1988, during which he was named majority leader and chair of the appropriations committee. He’s previously served on the Norwich School Board, chaired the Dresden Interstate School Board, and is currently on the Town of Norwich’s Board of Civil Authority and Development Review Board.
“Three generations of my family have been educators, and my life has been so enriched by teachers – from public elementary school to independent secondary school to private university. These experiences have given me a life-long interest in education, so I am pleased to have this opportunity to serve all Vermonters' interests in education by serving on the State Board of Education,” said Carroll.
Since 2007, O’Keefe has served as Town Manager of Manchester, and has staffed numerous boards throughout his career. Previously he served in Massachusetts State Government, including as legislative director for then-Governor Mitt Romney and for the Department of Transportation, and as a legislative aide in the House of Representatives. O’Keefe also previously served as a budget examiner in New York State’s Division of the Budget.
“I’m honored by this appointment and look forward to working with my fellow Members to advance our education system, striving for innovation while maintaining and enhancing strong traditions of quality and school choice,” said O’Keefe.
The State Board of Education consists of 11 members – nine voting members and two non-voting members – appointed by the Governor. Carroll and O’Keefe will replace Stephan Morse (Windham County) and Sean-Marie Oller (Bennington County), whose terms expired February 28.