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.)