Jeanné Collins
Superintendent of Schools, Burlington
June 16, 2008

Superintendent's Message

The end of another school year is upon us. This summer will bring our well-attended summer school, professional staff development, a full facilities audit for each of our school buildings, and the development of our master plan for Excellence & Equity recommendations. This month, I've included some information about important changes for our After School program.

Last Day Of School

In most of our schools, the last day for students will be a half-day on Friday, June 13th. Please check with specific schools to confirm the last date, as well as any special end-of-year ceremonies.

Burlington Afterschool Changes

When our students return to school, Burlington After School will offer affordable, after school programming at every elementary school, every school day, including early release days, from 2:30-5:30 pm, from the first day of school throughout the school year.

     What Will Burlington After School Offer?

     Burlington after school will offer a wide range of enrichment, recreation and academic activities that families will be able to choose from, depending upon the individual child’s needs and interests.

     When Is It Offered?

     Burlington After School will begin on the first day of school. Families will be able to sign-up for one, two, three, four or five days. There will be two pick-up options, one at 4:15 and one at 5:30.

     What About City Kids & Other After School Partners In Our Schools?

     For 2008-2009, we will partner with City Kids at Flynn Elementary and the Boys & Girls Club at Wheeler Elementary and provide licensed child care at those schools. This will allow us to combine forces and wisely share our financial resources, talented staff and building space. The same program offerings will be in place at all of our elementary schools starting next school year as we work to develop similar partnerships over the next two years.

     Will There Be A Fee?

     To make sure our afterschool programs are sustainable with declining grant funds, there will be a new fee structure. We will use the fee structure in place for City Kids, but have added a substantial scholarship program. For a three-hour daily block, including snack, recreation, and academic and enrichment options, the fee will range from $0-$12.50 per day depending upon household income.

     Why Is There A Fee?

     For years, we have offered these programs virtually free through Federal grant programs. As these grants expire, we will ensure a sustainable, affordable continuation of after school by funding the program through a combination of grants, taxpayer support, tuition fees based upon ability to pay. The funds from taxpayers in our budget for next year cover about one-third of expenses. Our goal is to keep the program affordable for families and to provide tuition assistance.

     Will There Be An Early Pick-up Option For Families Who Don't Need Full Day Programing?

     For families who want a shorter day and only one enrichment block, they will be able to sign-up for an early pick-up option that will run until 4:15. Fees for this option are anticipated to be $0-$7.50 per day, depending upon ability to pay.

     How Do I Enroll?

     A pre-enrollment brochure was mailed to all elementary families. Registration forms will be sent to families with the back-to-school mailing this summer.

We are committed to enrolling students in these programs regardless of economic circumstances. We will work with you to ensure that your child is able to access the program.

For more information, please contact our Afterschool Director, Jeff Fournier, at jfournie@bsdvt.org or 540.0285.

Update On Excellence & Equity:

Our master plan workshops have been completed and a facilities audit will take place this summer. An architect and building professionals will work with us to identify, prioritize and evaluate the facility conditions in each of our buildings and to develop cost estimates. Our last facilities audit was completed around 1997 and must be updated so that we can plan effectively. We recognize that Excellence & Equity in our district must include necessary maintenance and improvements to deteriorating school buildings. Our master plan, which will include fiscally-responsible, cost-effective building renovations is expected to be presented to the School Board in late August and to the public in the Fall.

Special Recognition:

Congratulations to Hunt Middle School's Rich Amato, who has been named the Vermont Assistant Principal of the Year. We are grateful to Rich for his dedication and leadership and proud to see his accomplishments recognized.

A heartfelt thank you to Champlain Principal Nancy Zahniser, who is retiring after 29 years in Burlington. Words cannot express the appreciation felt by all families, students and colleagues touched by Nancy's warmth and wisdom.

Stay up to date on our progress at www.bsdvt.org. As always, I welcome your feedback. You can contact me at superintendent@bsdvt.org or 865-5332.