Montpelier
In a statement released on Tuesday, Republican Gov. Phil Scott thanked Holcombe for her service to the state.
“Rebecca has had a positive impact on Vermont’s schools and education system, working diligently to broaden the scope of opportunities we can provide our kids, improve equality, and ensure they see a quality education,” Scott said.
Scott said he will appoint an interim secretary “in the coming days” and will work with the State Board of Education to appoint a new permanent secretary “who will build on the progress Rebecca has achieved in her tenure.”
The Governor’s Office did not provide information about where Holcombe is going after she leaves the top post, but said it was a “personal decision” by her.
Holcombe, a Norwich resident, has served as CEO of the state’s public education system since January 2014, taking the reins under then-Gov. Peter Shumlin. She was Scott’s first cabinet-level appointment when he took office in 2017.
Holcombe declined to comment on Tuesday, but her office released a letter she had sent to “education partners.”
“Last week, I submitted my resignation as Education Secretary to Governor Scott, effective April 1,” Holcombe wrote. “It is time to move on. I thank Governor Scott for the opportunity to serve in this role. I am confident the governor, working with the State Board of Education, will appoint a Secretary who shares his vision and I wish him the best moving forward.”
Holcombe, who holds a doctorate from Harvard University, started her teaching career at Mascoma Valley Regional High School, then taught social studies and science at Richmond Middle School in Hanover, where she also coordinated curriculum.
She was hired as principal at Fairlee Elementary School in 1996, and played a key role in the creation of the Rivendell Interstate School District.
Over the past several years, Holcombe has overseen one of the most controversial education reform efforts in Vermont’s history — Act 46 — the merger of dozens of school boards into consolidated districts.
“In the context of this law alone, Rebecca has likely met with every superintendent and school board member in the state, and this work remains very important as we move forward,” Scott said.
In addition, Holcombe led efforts to develop personalized learning plans for students, a dual enrollment program for high school seniors that enables them to earn college credits and a controversial overhaul of state guidelines for private schools.
“Secretary Holcombe has been a champion for the children in Vermont, and a real leader in the state’s efforts to make sure every child grows up ready to participate in civic and economic life in the 21st century,” Council of Chief State School Officers Executive Director Carissa Moffat Miller said in a statement. “She has been an important voice for equity as state chiefs work to deliver an equitable education to all of the nation’s students.”
Valley News staff writer John Gregg contributed to this report.