Jeanné Collins
Superintendent of Schools, Burlington
January 3, 2008

Superintendent's Message

The winter weather is upon us! It arrived a bit early this year, leading already to one snow day and one delayed start of the Burlington schools, very unusual for December. For parents, the best and fastest way to determine if schools are open on a snowy day is to go to our website at www.bsdvt.org and click on the snow day link to sover.net. Once the decision is made, the information will posted on sover.net as well as called into the Vermont Broadcaster's Association for posting on local TV and radio shows. Soon, we anticipate implementing a call alert system which will be able to call each home to let parents know of a snow day decision. Watch for information on this new system in the coming weeks.

On Dec. 17, the district chose to do a delayed start, rather than a full snow day. This decision was made based upon the fact that streets and lots were not clear for safe transportation early in the am, but the weather for the day was predicted to be beautiful and sunny, not snow day weather. Faculty and staff were quite positive about this unusual decision to delay. I would like to hear from parents, however, as to whether this is a good tool to use with discretion. Please send me an email or log on to our website to let me know what you think of delayed starts and snow days.

BUDGET UPDATE

Budget season is also upon us and the administration is working hard with the Board to develop a cost effective budget that addresses the strengths and challenges within Burlington schools. Please give your input to the Board during these important discussions. Budget hearings are scheduled for Jan 7 at BHS at 7 pm, and Jan 8 at BHS at 7 pm. Budget decisions are anticipated to be finalized on Jan 15 at the Board work session. Information can be found at the www.bsdvt.org website under the Board page, and an email to the superintendent with your thoughts and comments will be shared with the full Board.

COMMUNITY SURVEY

All Burlington residents were invited to participate in an anonymous on line survey about the future of Burlington's schools, focused on the elementary schools. The results of this survey, developed by the independent research firm Fifth Element, will be used by the School Board and myself to help with decisions as the Excellence and Equity initiative moves forward. Survey results from this as well as surveys of parents and faculty and staff will be shared at the January 8th, 2008 school board meeting at Burlington High School at 7pm. The presentation is open to all. At this point, magnet schools are a concept that the board is evaluating. No decisions have been made to move forward, and the research phase will help to develop ideas that respectfully retain and honor what the public, Burlington parents and teachers, value most and embrace as a community plan for excellence for all students. If you would like to participate in the survey please CLICK HERE.

NEW YEAR REFLECTIONS

As we enter the new year, I would like to take a moment to thank all Burlington residents for your support of the children in Burlington and the schools. As always, I would like to hear your questions and ideas to support Burlington's quest to provide the best education it can for its students. Contact me at 865.5332 or superintendent@bsdvt.org