OLYMPIA—In a written statement to a local newspaper on Saturday, State Superintendent Chris Reykdal admitted that a main goal of OSPI was to “remake” the leadership at Marysville School District. His statement comes days after former Superintendent Dr. Zac Robbins was outed from the district with a whopping $430K severance agreement.
“The remaking of the Marysville district’s executive leadership was and remains a high priority to ensure fiscal stability and long term success,” wrote Reykdal.
While the district will work to resolve its financial situation, it will also begin to payout Robbins’s mutually agreed-upon $430K severance agreement, which includes:
- Monthly severance payments of $29,150 for 13 months totaling $378,950
- By November 15, 2024, a lump sum payment of $50,000 for moving expenses, job search travel and lodging expenses, attorney fees, and expenses securing a new house
- Cash payout of unused accrued sick and vacation leave at $1,526.36 per diem
- Continuation of existing health, dental, and vision insurance for Dr. Robbins and his family until the end of October 31, 2025
Robbins appears to be the only leader who has been removed since OSPI appointed Dr. Arthur Jarvis as the special administrator.
Dr. Jarvis’s duties include overseeing and carrying out the financial conditions imposed on the Marysville School District as well as directing changes to any and all business practices within the district, according to a letter dated Monday, September 16, to then-Superintendent Robbins and Board President Connor Krebbs.
In his statement, Reykdal added that “prior leadership did not have the experience or background in Washington state public school finances needed to address financial challenges of this scale.”
Dr. Robbins’ most recent experience includes being a principal for 16 years as a high school principal in Las Vegas, Nevada, and 5 years in Boston, Massachusetts, according to his LinkedIn. He also has updated his page to reflect a new position as Education Professional at Routledge Taylor & Francis Group.
The Marysville School District has since appointed Dr. David Burgess as interim superintendent. The board unanimously confirmed Burgess on October 3 while an audience of approximately 100 parents and staff cheered. Robbins was not in attendance.
Burgess is the former Superintendent of the Lake Stevens School District and joined the Marysville School District as interim Human Resource Director in June of 2024. He is a 19-year resident of Tulalip and has a career spanning 52 years in education, teaching students for 18 of those years.
“This is not about me. This about we,” Burgess said in the October 3 meeting. “And if we don’t pull together, we’re condemned to finding ourselves in this situation over and over again; and it is not good for kids, and it is not good for any of us.”
Burgess offered hope that with the community’s support, the district will overcome the “difficult choices” ahead. Burgess and Reykdal both anticipate further changes in leadership throughout the year.
“Through their work together, Drs. Burgess and Jarvis and the school board will be making additional changes to the district’s leadership, budget and internal processes. While these changes may be difficult, they are necessary to fix the district’s budget and repair trust with the community,” Reykdal wrote.
Reykdal also committed to partner with the Legislature to increase school funding, which he described as “the state’s obligation for basic education,” and concluded his statement with a letter to the Marysville Community.
“Thank you for getting involved, maintaining high standards, and standing shoulderto- shoulder to advocate for your children and your community. Your engagement, voice and partnership will ensure that your school district stands the test of time,” Reykdal wrote.
The Marysville School District is still currently in binding conditions with OSPI, including enhanced financial oversight.
Author: Olivia Thiessen
