Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott has appointed former Independent State Representative Oliver Olsen of Londonderry to the Vermont State Board of Education.
“While serving in the Legislature, Oliver demonstrated tremendous attention to detail, a clear understanding of education funding and policy, and a vigorous commitment to the rules and integrity of the process. He also worked on Act 46 and understands this law, in detail,” said Scott. “His knowledge and experience will be a very valuable addition to the State Board of Education as it completes its work on Act 46 and supports our efforts to improve equality and the quality of our public education system.”
As moderator of the Taconic and Green School District, Olsen also has first-hand experience with implementing statewide education laws at the local level.
Olsen said he is honored to serve on the State Board of Education. “the Governor has drawn attention to critical challenges facing our education system, including Vermont’s demographics and how we will sustainably fund our schools so that they continue to offer equitable and high-quality education to our kids,” Olsen said. “As a parent of three, I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with the Board to help find solutions to these challenges and build on – and enhance – the state’s strengths.”
The State Board of Education, working with the Agency of Education, provides leadership, support and oversight to ensure the implementation and enforcement of laws governing public education in Vermont.
About Oliver Olsen
Olsen is the parent of three children – two sons, a third grader and first grader at Flood Brook School, and a daughter who will be entering Kindergarten this fall.
Olsen previously represented Jamaica, Londonderry, Stratton, Weston and Winhall in the Vermont House of Representatives, and served on the Human Services, Natural Resources & Energy, Ways & Means, and General, Housing& Military Affairs committees during his tenure. He is regarded as an expert on Vermont's education finance system and has served on a variety of panels and task forces focused on education finance reform over the years.
A native Vermonter, who has an extensive professional background in the public, private and non-profit sectors, Olsen has lived and worked in North America, Europe, and Australia. He is currently the director of global services governance at Workday, Inc., a multinational software company, and chair of the board of the non-profit Weston Playhouse Theatre Company. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the Open University in the United Kingdom.
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