On June 30, 2016

Local student named to state board of education

By Stephen Seitz

KILLINGTON — Connor Solimano, of Rutland, has been named as a student member of the Vermont State Board of Education.

“I’m excited to be a part of the board, and I hope to bring my perspective as a student,” Connor Solimano said. “We’re all pretty excited. My parents are proud.”

Connor’s father, Mike Solimano, is the CEO of Killington Mountain Resort.

Come fall, Connor Solimano will be a junior at Rutland High. He has been active in student government, where he was elected class secretary for his sophomore and junior years. He is also a student member of the Rutland City Public Schools board.

Connor Solimano
CONNOR SOLIMANO

“I went into this with low expectations,” Connor Solimano said of his bid for the seat on the Vermont State Board of Education. “I had no idea of the size of the pool of applicants. It’s been a while since we’ve had a member from the southern part of the state. The student members are usually from the cities in the north.”

There are two student seats on the state board. Student representatives serve for two years. While they don’t get a vote the first year, they do get a vote the second. In the official announcement, Gov. Peter Shumlin said he was impressed with the students who applied.

“The pool of applicants was amazing this year, and I want thank all of the students who took the time to apply,” Shumlin said in his announcement. “Connor is a rising star who has impressively served his community and has volunteered countless hours to make a difference at Rutland High School. I am confident he will bring fresh perspective to the Board, and am honored to have appointed him as the student representative to the State Board of Education.”

Solimano replied, “I am looking forward to learning more about our educational programs in Vermont, and I am interested in understanding how our local issues relate to statewide challenges. I hope to bring a new perspective to the board through my experiences as a student and community member. I know there are a lot of changes happening in Vermont relating to our educational system, and I am excited to have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the future of education in our state,” according to a news release.

Solimano said he is joining the state board without an agenda.

“I wouldn’t say I have anything specific in mind,” he said. “I’m sure it will be just like my local board. We’ll keep the board members up on what students are doing currently, and we get to speak. The students have sometimes persuaded the board. Everyone has something positive to contribute.”

While he has taken on these early leadership roles, Solimano said he does not see public service necessarily as a career choice for himself.

“I enjoy math and science,” he said. “I’m pretty proficient. I think I’d like to do something in the engineering field.”

More information about the state board of education can be found at education.vermont.gov/state-board.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Hartland residents ask town to take over road

November 13, 2024
By Curt Peterson Several residents from Bird Hill Road in Hartland Four Corners petitioned the Select Board Monday evening to take over maintenance of their short private road accessed over a short bridge from Brownsville Road. Deborah Davis, who lives in the first house, read a prepared presentation describing the history of homeowner maintenance over…

Lighting up Rutland County:Contest celebrates fifth year of brightening winter nights

November 13, 2024
As the winter chill arrives, Social Tinkering, a Rutland-based nonprofit, is launching the fifth annual Light Up Rutland County, a festive community event to brighten the dark winter days. This initiative invites residents to illuminate their homes, schools, and businesses, encouraging community spirit, creativity, and connection across the region. Initially established in 2020, the event…

Nurse union plans day of action in Rutland, Nov. 14

November 13, 2024
By James Kent A day of action is planned to support nurses at Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC). The Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 6, which represents the nurses, has stated that it’s in contract negotiations with the hospital nurses ahead of their ongoing negotiations with RRMC.  The event will be held…

Killington Resort’s Mike Solimano honored with the Sen. Leahy Trailblazer Award

November 13, 2024
The Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance (VOBA) announced Tuesday, Nov. 12, that the fourth annual U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy Trailblazer Award has been awarded to Mike Solimano, president and CEO of Killington Resort & Pico Mountain. The award, first given to and named for Sen. Patrick Leahy, honors an individual’s lifetime of service in Vermont’s outdoor…