Dear neighbors,

I am writing as the School Board ad hoc communications committee prepares to wrap up its public comment phase in regards to the task force report on “finding ways to remove obstacles to the success of students from low-income families” (a.k.a. Building Burlington’s Future).  The task force’s report – including its primary recommendation that we achieve socio-economic integration in all our schools – has received comment at this point from more than five hundred Burlingtonians, and we still have one more community conversation night ahead – this Thursday, October 26th, from 7-9 p.m. in Contois Auditorium, City Hall.  On Friday, October 27th, this phase of our process will officially end, as we close down the online threaded discussion and survey at www.bsdvt.org and begin organizing the comments and questions we have received into a formal report to the Board, accompanied by full transcripts of all testimony received.  Be assured that Fred and I will continue to attend NPA meetings and answer any and all questions from our constituents via e-mail as well.  When the Board begins to consider specific plans for next year it will undoubtedly hold special hearings as we always have done in the past, in which residents can address the full Board with their thoughts and concerns.

At our next monthly Board meeting on November 14th, we will discuss the report of the communications committee, and also begin the budget process.  I would therefore recommend that those of you who would like to petition and/or address the Board prior to next year’s planning process should do so at our November meeting. 

In the meantime, I advise everyone to take a deep breath, stay informed, and continue to let us know your questions and thoughts.  We have updated our FAQ page at www.bsdvt.org several times in the last weeks as more questions have come in, and you can also find the task force report online there, a page with links to research, etc.

Burlington schools are going to be stronger than they ever have been thanks to this soul-searching process.  I truly believe that. 

Amy Werbel
Ward 5 School Commissioner
Chair, ad hoc communications committee
awerbel@bsdvt.org
www.amywerbel.info