An act relating to creating a Department and Commissioner of Education

This bill transforms Vermont's Agency of Education into a Department of Education, replacing the Secretary of Education with a Commissioner of Education appointed by the State Board of Education (with Governor approval). The Commissioner serves as the department's chief executive officer and is responsible for implementing the Board's policies. Key provisions require the Board to prepare biennial budgets for the Department, establish an information clearinghouse for schools to share effective educational practices, and annually report statewide education conditions - including student performance, bullying data (disaggregated by protected characteristics), and resource allocation - to the public and legislature. These changes directly affect Vermont's school districts, supervisory unions, and students by standardizing reporting and improving transparency in education funding and outcomes.