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.)

Railroad plan hearings next week

State railway inventory

Two meetings have been scheduled to discuss the Vermont state rail plan currently under revision by the Vermont Agency of Transportation, according to an announcement by Christopher Parker, executive director of the Vermont Rail Action Network. The first will be held at 6:30 p.m., Monday, March 24, at the Fox Room of Rutland Free Library, 10 Court Street. The second is scheduled for Tuesday, March 25, in Brattleboro.

Plan objectives and existing rail inventory portions of the plan have been completed and will be presented at the meeting. The draft objectives for Vermont rail include:

• Support for Vermont’s economy 
• Upgrading the rail system to stay connected and competitive 
• The ability to maintain safe and efficient operations 
• Confirming adequate and stable funding 
• Balancing the needs of railroads with human and natural environments 
• Preserving rail corridors for future transportation use 

The plan is being written by consultant teams overseen by Agency of Transportation Planner Costa Pappis.

The Vermont Rail Action Network noted last week that the governor's 2015 rail budget request includes continued investment in state rail priorities, including upgrading bridges for 286,000 lb. freight and upgrading the route to Montreal. The largest amount of the requested funds is earmarked for the "Western Corridor" joining Bennington, Rutland, Middlebury and Burlington.

The largest single project in the request is a federally matched $11 million replacement of two road bridges in downtown Middlebury. More than $8 million is called for to install welded rail between Rutland and Burlington, replacing the 1940s-era jointed rail that cannot support competitive passenger train speeds.

OTTERS WIN!

Otter Valley secures its first 
state baseball title since '76

Otter pitcher Patterson retires 17 in a row

The Otter Valley Union High School baseball team has defeated top-ranked Burr & Burton Academy to take the 2013 Division 2 state title. It is Otter Valley's first baseball championship since 1976.

The Otters celebrate with the state championship plaque.

Otter starting pitcher Brett Patterson was dominant, tossing a one-hit complete game shutout. The Burr & Burton Bulldogs, who have appeared in three of the last four state championship games without winning a title, managed just two baserunners against Otter Valley.

The Otters erupted for six runs in the third inning, which proved to be more than sufficient. They added a single run in the fifth inning, as Jim Winslow, who doubled to lead off and was sacrificed to third, scored on a Bulldog wild pitch. Two more runs were added in the sixth. John Winslow led off with a walk, stole second and scored on a Lonergan triple. Lonergan then scored on another Bulldog wild pitch.

Patterson shut the door on the Bulldogs early and retired the last 17 Burr & Burton batters he faced. The game's last batter went to a full count and then took a called strike on the outside corner.

After the game, the Otters receive individual medals.

Burr & Burton was top seeded in the Division 2 postseason. However, Otter Valley, which was ranked second, had a better overall record and had beaten Burr & Burton, 8-1, during the regular season. Heading into the championship game, no Burr & Burton postseason opponent had scored a run.

A large crowd of Otter supporters attended the championship game, played at Burlington's Centennial Field.


In  1  2  3  4  5  6  7 

OV  0  0  6  0  1  2  0
BB  0  0  0  0  0  0  0

    R   H   E

OV  9   9   0
BB  0   1   1

Photos are screen captures from live game coverage provided by NSNsports.net