The Burlington Board of School Commissioners has appointed Stephanie Phillips to serve as acting superintendent. Phillips, the district’s director of curriculum, replaces outgoing Superintendent Jeanné Collins, who is stepping down effective June 30. Collins accepted a $225,000 buyout of her contract and is headed for the Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union as superintendent. Collins had come under fire after several budgetary problems arose. Mayor Miro Weinberger was among those who had been urging the Board to part ways with Collins.
Phillips has over 16 years’ experience in the Burlington School District, and has been an instructor at a number of area colleges. She began her career in the Burlington system as a teacher at the high school and as assistant principal. She has been the district’s curriculum director since 2006. Ms. Phillips received her master’s degree in education from St Michael’s College, is a graduate of the Vermont Superintendent Leadership Academy, and has been recognized for her classroom and program innovation achievements. She is a recipient of an Eisenhower Grant for training math science and technology teachers, is a two-time recipient of the University of Vermont Outstanding Teacher of the Year award, and received the U.S. Department of Education’s School to Work Award.
School Board Chair Patrick Halladay said Phillips has been a stand out leader in the district and will be able to quickly take up the reins in her new role. “Stephanie has a passion for building high performing schools. She is a quiet but confident leader, and brings with her the respect of the district’s teaching and administrative staff. Having been curriculum director, Stephanie is uniquely positioned to prepare the district for successful implementation of the new federal common core standards this fall.”
Halladay noted that Phillips’ appointment is the first step toward finding a permanent replacement for Collins. “It’s important that we have an acting superintendent in place now to provide the district leadership until an interim superintendent is appointed.” Halladay said he anticipates that appointment will be made within the next several weeks.
The Board has appointed an ad hoc committee to oversee the search process for a permanent superintendent.
Source: Burlington Board of School Commissioners