Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott Monday evening announced the re-appointment of Rebecca Holcombe as Secretary of Education, and the appointment of Terry Norris as Representative for the Addison-Rutland District, encompassing the towns of Shoreham, Orwell, Whiting and Benson. With the appointment of Secretary Holcombe, who was selected from a list of candidates recommended by the State Board of Education, Governor Scott has now filled all Cabinet-level positions. She was first appointed by Governor Shumlin to the role in January 2014.
Rebecca Holcombe with Governor Shumlin in 2013.
“During her tenure as a Secretary, Rebecca has shown a fierce commitment to improving Vermont’s education system with a focus on outcomes and the experience of our kids,” said Gov. Scott. “As my Administration works to rethink the system, building a cradle-to-career approach that fosters innovation and supports educational and economic goals, Rebecca will be a strong leader and champion for creating more value for our students throughout the entire spectrum.”
“It is a privilege and an honor to serve the Scott Administration as we work to support his goals of affordability, growing the economy and protecting the vulnerable,” said Holcombe. “We know strong, efficient, high-qualityeducation are essential to that effort.”
Norris was appointed to fill the seat vacated by former Rep. Alyson Eastman (I) who was appointed as the Administration’s Deputy Secretary of Agriculture in January. Following tradition, the Governor filled the position with a candidate of the same political party.
“Like Representative Eastman, Terry has a history in farming and values the role agriculture plays in our culture, as well as its importance to Vermont’s economy, which was important in making this selection,” said Gov. Scott. “I’m glad to have identified someone with a passion for representing the interests of the people of Shoreham, Orwell, Whiting and Benson, and who understands the economic and affordability challenges Vermonters in the region are facing. He will be a strong advocate for the community, and I look forward to working with him.”
About Rebecca Holcombe
Prior to joining the Agency of Education in 2014, Holcombe taught at the middle school, high school and university levels. She served as principal at Fairlee School, and later as Director of Academics where she helped lead the district through the formation of the Rivendell Interstate School District. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Brown University, an MBA from Simmons School of Management, and an M.Ed. and Ed.D. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Holcombe also completed coursework for her principal certification at Lyndon State College and received her preparation as a teacher at the Upper Valley Educators Institute.
About Terry Norris
Norris owned and operated a 1,250-acre dairy farm for nearly 40 years, and operated his own photography business for 23 years. He currently works on the Fort Ticonderoga Ferry. Born in Vermont, he has resided in Shoreham since 1960. Norris holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Tri-State University in Angola, Ind.