Scott apologizes to Winooski after debate remark on language classes

Gov. Phil Scott apologized to Winooski school leaders on Friday for comments made during a television debate. The Republican gubernatorial candidate said he misspoke when describing the range of languages available to students in the district.

The dispute began on Wednesday when Scott appeared on WCAX’s gubernatorial debate with moderators Darren Perron and Cat Viglienzoni. The conversation shifted to education reform and the impact of the Brigham decision on rural areas. Scott argued that the current system favors some communities over others.

“Where some have, you know, one or two languages being offered. Whereas in Winooski and some of the Chittenden County areas, they have 17. That’s not an equal education and we need to do better than that,” Scott said. He used the example to support his plan for school district consolidation, suggesting that rural students would gain more opportunities under his proposals.

Winooski Superintendent and school board members pushed back on Friday. The district issued a statement clarifying that it currently offers only one world language, French. The board criticized the governor for naming their district on a statewide stage. They described the remark as a “dog whistle” that implied their community receives special treatment from tax dollars.

“When a Governor names our district on a statewide stage and overstates what we receive, many Vermonters will hear a familiar message: that their tax dollars are paying for special treatment for a community that looks different from theirs,” the Winooski school board wrote. The Essex-Westford School District also contacted WCAX to express support for Winooski’s position.

In a statement released Friday, Scott reiterated his intent to highlight disparities in course offerings across Vermont. He noted that opportunities for students often depend on the local tax base. Scott said he believes he has a responsibility as governor to draw attention to these inequities and fight for a fairer system.

The governor’s team provided the statement after WCAX News reached out for comment. The apology came less than 48 hours after the debate aired and the initial pushback from the Winooski district.