Don Collins on National Panel

[Chris Santee]

Vermont State Board Member Chosen to Serve on National Panel to Make Policy Recommendations on Federal Education Legislation

Arlington, VA – The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) is pleased to announce that Donald Collins, a resident of Swanton and a member of the Vermont State Board of Education, has been appointed to serve on the NASBE Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC), the entity responsible for developing federal policy recommendations and communicating with Congress and federal officials about the education reform priorities of state boards of education.  Collins with be meeting with congressional leaders on March 22-23 to discuss these priorities.

The Governmental Affairs Committee helps state board members understand, influence, and plan for federal education policies.  In its efforts to affect national education policymaking, NASBE works to ensure that it represents the views of its members to the executive and legislative branches of the federal government, as well as to associations representing governors, state legislators, school administrators, principals, local school boards, teachers, and parents.

“As states continue to lead the way individual and collectively in developing innovative programs to approved education, implement the Common Core standards, and develop new assessment, it is vital that lawmakers in Washington and at the state level understand the essential and enduring role of state boards of education,” said NASBE Executive Director Brenda Welburn. “The GAC works tirelessly to educate members of Congress and the Administration about the policies and work that occur at the state level.  In the recent past, the GAC’s recommendations for a reauthorized Elementary and Secondary Education Act were reflected in the U.S. Department of Education’s own blueprint for the bill.  We look forward to the input and guidance the GAC will deliver to NASBE and state boards as these processes move forward.”

As a member of the 20-member panel, Collins will meet with other state education leaders, national policymakers, federal lawmakers, and education reform experts during a yearlong series of meetings, events and communications to share their state’s experiences and perspective, analyze federal education initiatives, promote state board of education priorities, and serve as a state education resource to congressional offices and staff.

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The National Association of State Boards of Education represents America’s state and territorial boards of education. NASBE exists to strengthen State Boards as the preeminent educational policymaking bodies for citizens and students.  For more, visit www.naabe.org.