MARYSVILLE-Marysville appears to be outing Superintendent Zac Robbins amidst its ongoing financial crisis according to tonight’s agenda notice.
The special-session meeting, which will take place at the Marysville School District at 7:15pm today, will announce an “Approval of Separation Agreement” followed by an “Approval of Interim Superintendent,” indicating Robbins’s departure.
The board of directors explained that the purpose of the meeting is to come to an “amicable separation,” which they describe as “no fault of either party” in an email sent to district employees yesterday.
October 2, 2024
Dear Marysville School District Staff,
The purpose of the meeting is for the board to consider action on an amicable separation agreement between the school district and the current superintendent, Dr. Robbins. Through no fault of either party, both the school board and Dr. Robbins believe that it is in the best interest of the district and the superintendent to move forward with a change in leadership.
The school board would like to thank Dr. Robbins for his commitment and dedication to the Marysville School District’s students, staff, and the Marysville and Tulalip communities.
At this meeting, the board will also consider the appointment of an interim superintendent.
We appreciate the support and dedication of our staff as we work together to serve the Marysville School District students.
Board of Directors
Tonight’s session comes after a series of three meetings since September 25. The most recent meeting on Monday presented OSPI’s appointed Special Administrator Dr. Arthur Jarvis, which State Superintendent Chris Reykdal described as a necessary but “unprecedented step” in the OSPI financial oversight process.
Dr. Robbins was not in attendance.
In a September 16 letter to Superintendent Robbins and Board President Connor Krebbs, Reykdal stated that “Dr. Jarvis is authorized to direct changes to any and all business
practices within the district.”
It is unclear whether Dr. Robbins has resigned or if he has been dismissed.
Depending on the circumstance, he could be entitled to a separation pay, as occurred in 2021 after then-Superintendent Jason Thompson resigned.
Thompson’s settlement allowed him to collect 9 months of his $21,629.85 monthly pay, despite him already being absent four months prior to his separation agreement. The district was also employing then-interim Superintendent Chris Pearson.
There are three possible ways Robbins could depart from the district. First, he could terminate his employment agreement, in which he would no longer receive pay from the district.
Second, he could be terminated “for cause,” wherein the board would be required to provide a written statement to him describing the reasons for termination. Robbins could appeal to the board in a closed meeting with a representative of his choosing. If the superintendent appeals the board’s decision, he would receive pay only until the hearing officer makes a decision, according to the agreement.
On September 30, the board met in a closed executive session to discuss “current or potential litigation with legal counsel,” in which no action was taken.
Third, he could be terminated “for any reason other than cause,” in which he would be entitled to “the salary and benefits under this Agreement, including any lump sum compensation for unused vacation and sick leave earned under the terms of this Agreement.”
As of today, the district has stood by Superintendent Robbins and his leadership over the last two years.
“Through no fault of either party, both the school board and Dr. Robbins believe that it is in the best interest of the district and the superintendent to move forward with a change in leadership,” the board wrote in the October 2 email.
If there truly is “no fault” as the district claims, Robbins would be entitled to his full salary and benefits through the end of his contract. But the appointment of an OSPI special administrator only days before the superintendent is outed may indicate otherwise.
The board will reveal Robbins’s separation agreement tonight at 7:15pm at 4220 80th Street NE, Marysville, WA 98270.
