Montpelier, Vt. – Monday, Governor Phil Scott appointed Kim Gleason of Essex and Jenna O’Farrell of St. Johnsbury to the State Board of Education. Gleason and O’Farrell will fill the vacancies of outgoing Board members Mark Perrin and Stacy Weinberger, whose terms expired in March.
“It’s never easy to step up for public service, so I appreciate Kim and Jenna taking on this important work,” said Governor Scott. “As our demographics continue to shift, the State Board of Education, my Administration, local administrators, educators, local boards and the Legislature must all work together to ensure we provide high-quality and equitable education to kids across our diverse schools and school districts. Kim’s and Jenna’s experience and perspective will be a great addition to the Board.”
Kim Gleason is the vice-chair of Essex-Westford School Board and had served on the Essex Town School Board since April of 2007. She has served on the Board of the Vermont School Boards Association (VSBA) for the last six years and is currently the treasurer. Kim was also appointed by Governor Scott to serve on the Vermont Municipal Employee Retirement System (VMERS) Board of Trustees and from there was appointed to the Vermont Pension Investment Committee (VPIC).
“I look forward to the opportunity to lend my experience in local and statewide governance to the work of the State Board of Education, as we continue to pursue equity of opportunity for all learners, and adaptability, accountability and sustainability in our Vermont education system,” said Gleason. “I am grateful to be a part of this effort at such a dynamic time.”
Jenna O'Farrell has more than twenty years of experience working with children and families in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. She started with Northeastern Family Institute (NFI), a private, non-profit agency committed to providing support to families with children struggling with emotional, behavioral and mental health challenges. Jenna served as a teacher, school director and regional supervisor for NFI. Jenna also worked at the St. Johnsbury School as a behavior interventionist, assistant principal and principal. She is currently the executive director of Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA).
“I appreciate the opportunity to serve on the State Board of Education. I believe in our ability to move Vermont’s schools forward in meeting the needs of all of our learners,” said O’Farrell. “I am looking forward to working with the Board in providing leadership around policy, advocacy and vision.”
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