The Senate Ethics Panel in Vermont has ruled against two complaints tied to Senators Seth Bongartz and Scott Beck, determining that their actions did not breach ethical standards set by the Senate. The complaints were initiated during the summer after the completion of Act 73, a substantial education reform bill.

The allegations claimed both legislators promoted their affiliated private schools while being part of a key committee that reconciled differing House and Senate educational proposals. Senator Beck, who serves as the minority leader, is a teacher at St. Johnsbury Academy, while Senator Bongartz, chair of the Senate Education Committee, spent nearly 20 years on the board of Burr and Burton Academy.

The legislation, which received approval on June 16, was signed into law by Governor Phil Scott on July 1. The first complaint, submitted by Geo Honigford of Friends of Vermont Public Education, contended that the senators may have compromised ethical standards during negotiations that benefited their associated institutions.

In a separate complaint filed by Robert Carpenter, chair of the Essex-Westford school board, specific allegations against Beck were made regarding a perceived conflict of interest without his recusal from discussions about the reform measures. Carpenter expressed concern over the ethical implications unfolding at the state level and referred to prior correspondence that highlighted Beck’s stances on educational funding.

The Senate Ethics Panel publicly disclosed their decision, a departure from the usual confidentiality of such matters, noting that the evidence did not establish probable grounds for an ethical breach. Panel member Senator Kesha Ram Hinsdale explained that Beck’s known employment as a teacher predates his election, suggesting that holding him accountable for this connection might infringe on electoral principles.

In a response to his dismissal, Bongartz labeled the complaint against him as baseless, stating he was confident from the outset that it would be thrown out. He criticized the complaint as an attempt to misuse the ethics process, a sentiment shared by Beck, who emphasized his commitment to representing his constituents.

Despite anticipating the panel’s decision, Honigford expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the ethics process in Vermont, implying there are significant hurdles to proving wrongdoing. Carpenter pointed out perceived discrepancies in ethical accountability between school boards and state legislators.

Additionally, a third complaint remains in review, lodged by Clayton Cargill, chair of the Danville School District board, which asserts that Beck exploited his legislative influence to induce changes that favor St. Johnsbury Academy. Cargill reported that he has yet to receive any updates from the Senate Ethics Panel regarding this matter.