Report Highlights Work in Literacy, Equity, and Capital Plans and Upcoming Budget Vote
In advance of Town Meeting Day, March 7, Burlington School District (BSD) has published a number of resources designed to help voters have all the information they need to vote on the School District’s proposed budget. BSD’s 2022 Annual Report is now available online along with a budget one-pager that explains next year’s proposed budget. The documents are available at www.bsdvt.org, in BSD schools, and at Fletcher Free Library, the Miller Center, the O.N.E. Community Center, and City Hall.
“This year’s annual report is an excellent reminder of the good work being done in our District and provides insight into how we plan to continue improving,” said Superintendent Flanagan. Flanagan noted that the report features a section on the goals and priorities that came out of a community-led strategic plan process and shows the work, and resources, that have gone into implementing a new K-5 literacy curriculum. It also highlights the work being done to support members of the LGBTQIA+ community and staff and students of the Global Majority. Finally, the report lists major accomplishments from dozens of students, including acknowledging US and Presidential Scholars. “As we think about next year’s budget and the things we want to accomplish, it’s important to take a step back and appreciate the successes we have seen; this report makes it possible to do that.”
BSD entered into the budget season using a new equitable budgeting process for the second year, working to provide robust baseline allocations for schools that reflect best practices and consistency across schools. This year’s process was more challenging than the past due to declining enrollments, increases to wages and benefits, the phasing out of Federal COVID recovery funding (ARP-ESSER), and borrowing for the new high school and technical center.
In the end, BSD put forth a budget that aligns staffing to enrollment, offers continued support of deep learning experiences and equity initiatives, and carries a modest tax impact of 4.03%. Thankfully, District leaders were also able to look at creative ways to retain staff members who may be impacted by cuts, allowing the District to minimize the impact of reductions to 6-7 positions.
Complete budget details can be found at www.bsdvt.org/budget. Town Meeting Day is March 7… don’t forget to vote!
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Burlington School District (BSD) is a pre-k-12 public school system of about 4,000 students in Burlington, VT. BSD’s mission is to graduate students who: value different cultures, engage with the community, communicate effectively, think creatively, skillfully solve problems, and achieve at their highest academic, intellectual, and personal potential. Join the Journey! www.bsdvt.org
