Report: Collins poised to take reins of RNESU

Jeanne Collins (WCAX photo)

Jeanne Collins is a finalist for the position of superintendent of the Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union (RNESU), responsible for overseeing the schools in the Otter Valley region, according to a report by WCAX-TV and other sources

Collins became the superintendent of schools for the City of Burlington in 2006. During her tenure, reports say she was repeatedly pressured to resign. In recent years, Burlington schools have faced mounting financial problems, most reportedly related to overspending. The school system accumulated an anticipated budget deficit of $2.6 million for the current year. That is the third consecutive annual deficit of more than a million dollars. A recent audit found that the school system may also owe as much as $500,000 to the Internal Revenue Service for unpaid payroll taxes and fines.

David Larcombe, the Burlington Schools director of finance, recently submitted his resignation, which will be effective June 30.

Collins and the Burlington School Board recently reached a separation agreement that resulted in her stepping down as superintendent two years before the end of her contract. Her resignation was accepted by a unanimous vote of the school board. Under the agreement she receives a $225,000 severance in two installments and a letter of recommendation.

("No easy fix for Burlington schools," Burlington Free Press, May 14, 2014; "Burlington school superintendent to step down June 30," Burlington Free Press, May 14, 2014; "Superintendent Jeanne Collins to resign in June," WPTZ-TV, May 13, 2014.)

Stevens to retire from state legislature

State Representative Will C. Stevens today announced his retirement from the Vermont State Legislature. The retirement is effective upon the swearing in of his successor in January 2015.

Stevens, a resident of Shoreham, served the Addison-Rutland District, including the communities of Shoreham, Benson, Orwell and Whiting. He was the ranking member of the House Committee on Agriculture and Forest Products. Explaining his decision to retire, he mentioned a need to "recharge my batteries" and said he planned to spend more time with family, his farm business and other interests. Stevens was first elected in the fall of 2006 and was sworn in January 2007.

His announcement was made through an email to constituents. The text follows:

Dear Friend, Neighbor, and Constituent, 
    After eight years as your representative in Vermont's citizen Legislature, I have decided that it is time to return to being a citizen. 
    You have given me the opportunity to serve at (or near) the seat of power, which is something I've been thankful for since the day I was sworn in on January 3, 2007. My goal has always been to serve this district to the best of my abilities, and I hope I have honored the trust you have put in me. 
    I have enjoyed my time in Montpelier, and I am not stepping away out of dissatisfaction, anger, or boredom. I have gained insight into the legislative process, and I would like to think that I contributed some value along the way. I especially enjoyed hearing from you on particular issues, answering your questions, addressing your concerns, and running interference on your behalf with state bureaucracies when necessary. Perhaps at some point the time will be right for me to run for office again, but for now, I simply need to recharge my batteries! 
    It has been a real pleasure and privilege to serve as the Representative of the best district in the state of Vermont, and serving you has been one of the most fulfilling things I have ever done. I look forward to spending more time with Judy at home in Shoreham, giving renewed energy to our farm business, pursuing other interests, and carving out a little down time. 
    Although I will not be on the ballot this fall, I will continue to be your representative until a new one is sworn in next January 7th. This means that I will continue to be at your service until then, should you need help. As always, you can reach me by phone at home (897-7031), or by email (wstevens@leg.state.vt.us). Thank you very much. 
    Sincerely yours,
    Will

VT Gas discusses pipeline benefits

Vermont Gas has scheduled an "open house" meeting tomorrow night (May 8), 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Otter Valley Union High School in Brandon. (Link) Company employees will be available to meet one-on-one with local residents at "topic tables" to discuss various aspects of natural gas efficiency and the plan to bring natural gas service to Rutland County.

Vermont Gas says the pipeline project will reduce reliance on oil and propane and could result in an energy cost savings of up to 50 percent for Rutland County homes and businesses. Phase I of the project, approved in December, is designed to transport natural gas from Colchester to Middlebury. Phase II is planned to extend the pipeline from Middlebury to the west, through the towns of Cornwall and Shoreham and under Lake Champlain, to provide service to the International Paper mill in Ticonderoga, New York. That phase is strongly opposed by residents of the affected towns.

According to the gas company, an agreement with International Paper will provide $45 million toward the construction of an additional length of pipeline in Phase III, allowing Rutland County to be served by natural gas by the year 2020. Without the extension to Ticonderoga, the company says it will take about 15 more years to connect to Rutland.

Sun breaks through

A determined sun breaks through low clouds and rising fog on Tuesday morning.