June 1, 2009

Dear neighbors,

As graduations and children’s summer vacations near, the School Board has been busy moving forward with pieces of our master plan, continuing with our normal committee work, and monitoring the budget mess in Montpelier with a great deal of concern.  On the first, happier notes, I believe we are making substantial progress towards financing the first phase of accessibility in the Edmunds complex.  No contracts are ready to sign, but I believe the pieces are falling into place for the first renovations to begin in a year or so.  I will keep you updated as plans become more firm, and also to let you know of any help we may need from community members.   

On another happy note, Champlain school 4/5 teacher Colleen Cowell recently received a Heritage award from the Vermont Folklife Center and Vermont Life Magazine for her wonderful work with Champlain kids to study our community and generate ideas for civic improvement.  Next year, Colleen and Betsy Patrick will pilot an integrated science classroom for third graders at Champlain, which we hope will be a model for improved science education across the District.  Thank you for all your hard work and dedication, Colleen and Betsy.

The Board met for a retreat two weeks ago and mapped out the year ahead.  The curriculum committee, which I chair, has its calendar and dates set for the year.  Please feel free to look through and let me know any questions you may have about the topics – or just come to our meeting at the Ira Allen building on Colchester

Avenue.

Our biggest area of concern, as always, is the budget.  If the Governor’s plan to shift teacher retirement costs to the Education Fund somehow passes, Burlington schools will be severely impacted.  Superintendent Collins and Commissioner Bernie O’Rourke testified in Montpelier last week in opposition to the Governor’s plan.  Right now, listening to the dialogue on state education funding is a bit like waiting for the news about swine flu – could be a catastrophe, could be just a mild bout of fever.

So many things that are up in the air right now have the potential to cause significant problems for our schools – the State budget, stimulus funds that don’t materialize, upcoming teacher contract negotiations, to name a few.  I am grateful to have such a wonderful Board (and Ward) to work with as we face what may be a very challenging year ahead.  As always, feel free to write to me with any questions or concerns you may have. 

Enjoy the peonies,  

Amy Werbel
Ward 5 School Commissioner
12 Catherine Street
awerbel@bsdvt.org
www.amywerbel.info