MARYSVILLE, Wash. — The former superintendent of the Marysville School District will receive over $400,000 in severance.
According to the district, the agreement with Dr. Zachary Robbins was reached "through mutual consent," so he will receive his full severance.
According to the severance agreement released by the district, Robbins will receive monthly payments of $29,150 through October 2025, totaling nearly $250,000. His and his family's insurance will also be continued through that time. By Nov. 15, he will receive $1,526.36 for his accrued sick leave and vacation time, and a lump sum payment of $50,000 for relocation expenses and job search travel.
The district said Robbins waived his right to a full contract payout, given the financial issues the district is currently facing. A decision in which the district is grateful for.
The decision to part ways with Robbins comes after the Marysville School District entered into binding financial conditions with the state after it could not submit a balanced budget. The move was to save the district from insolvency.
The district puts part of the blame on two failed levees that would have yielded $25 million in funding. They add that they continue to see enrollment numbers dip post-COVID and say they are struggling to maintain pay raises secured by teachers during the pandemic.
Last month, the state announced that Dr. Arthur Jarvis would serve as special administrator to the Marysville School District as they work to navigate the unprecedented financial strain facing the district.
With enhanced oversight by the state, Marysville leaders are currently forbidden from hiring, handing out employee bonuses, and purchasing technology, among other things.