MONTPELIER, Vt.—State Education Commissioner Richard Cate said Friday's he's taking a job at the University of Vermont, becoming the third high-level state official this week to announce his departure.
Cate, who served in the job for about 4 1/2 years, has accepted a job as interim vice president for finance and administration at the University.
He did so in part because of uncertainty about his future in the wake of a move in the Legislature aimed at eliminating the state Board of Education and elevating the education commissioner to a cabinet-level secretary, he said in a letter announcing the move Friday.
Mainly, he said, he had wanted the UVM job for years.
"However, my decision has also been influenced by the recent legislative debate about the appointment process of the Commissioner, which has made my future here somewhat uncertain. This has been a difficult decision especially since I pledged to you that I would stay longer.
"However, circumstances beyond my control have changed my perspective," he said.
The bill, passed in the state Senate but not in the House, would have made Cate report to the governor instead of to the state Board of Education, as he now does.
Also calling it quits are two Cabinet-level appointees of Gov. Jim Douglas -- Secretary of Administration Michael Smith and acting Commissioner of Health Sharon Moffatt.
Smith, 54, will leave in mid-August, when he turns 55.
"I felt this was the best and most opportune time to retire," Smith said.
"I don't think I will ever enjoy a job as much as I have the last 5 1/2 years," Smith said. "It has been a fabulous, fabulous opportunity. I will never forget it."
Moffatt, who will resign next month, said she wants a job with more flexibility so she can spend more time with her family.
"I know where I need to be next to find a balance so I can spend more time with my family," Moffatt said. "I am looking at several different options right now."
Neither Smith nor Moffatt was encouraged to leave, Douglas spokesman Jason Gibbs said Friday.
------
Information from: The Times Argus, http://www.timesargus.com/
