Leslie Colomb appointed Principal of Champlain Elementary School

March 12, 2008
Leslie Colomb has been appointed principal of Champlain Elementary School and will succeed Nancy Zahniser when she retires at the end of this school year. Leslie Colomb's appointment was approved by the Burlington School Board at the March 11th meeting.

This year the district piloted a new hiring process, developed with outgoing Principal Zahniser, to incorporate comprehensive feedback from parents and teachers. All Champlain parents, teachers and staff were invited to work with facilitator Mary Jane Shelley to outline their priorities, identify interview questions, and to participate in interviews with finalists. Over fifty parents participated in the process.

Leslie Colomb was selected as principal from among three highly-qualified finalists for the position. Nancy Zahniser expressed confidence that the process yielded the best possible successor and that "she is delighted about her appointment."

"Leslie possesses a unique combination of experience with our existing curriculum and programs, and a longstanding commitment to parent and community partnerships," said Superintendent Collins. "She received enthusiastic feedback from the parent, teachers and staff, and is well poised to build upon the legacy Nancy Zahniser leaves behind."

Leslie Colomb has twenty-seven years experience as an elementary principal, assistant principal, teacher and special educator. A graduate of UVM, holding both a bachelors and masters degree in education, Leslie served as the Assistant Principal at St. Albans City School supervising kindergarten through grade four for the past fifteen years. Prior to that, Leslie was the Principal at Fayston Elementary School.

Leslie is committed to "the district's strong academic curricula, as well as powerful programs in arts, music and physical education and to continuing to foster and develop the vibrant school community at Champlain Elementary."