Burlington board consensus exercise indicates early, though non-binding, consensus of priorities

August 24, 2007
Four points emerged as an emerging, though non-binding, consensus on how to achieve excellence and equity in the Burlington Schools during a four-hour School Board work session Thursday.

The 14 board members reviewed each member's feelings about Excellence and Equity. The group completed a priority setting exercise that, while not binding, did give a sense of where consensus might emerge. An emerging consensus was noted on these priorities:

  • Economic balance in each of schools for opportunities and diversity.
  • Magnet school concept. However, a specific concept was not identified.
  • Other supports for students in poverty, such as pre-kindergarten opportunities and extended- day opportunities.
  • Financial sustainability of the district.

Thursday's work session was the second held by the Board since the end of the community discussions in June. It has been a quiet summer, with appropriate time for board members to reflect on what they have heard as they prepared for this next phase of the decision-making.

Maintaining 6 elementary schools and using redistricting to achieve economic balance remains undecided. However, discussion noted greater interest in trying choice options before looking at redistricting.
Board discussion indicated strong interest did not exist in providing additional resources to two high poverty schools without a change in demographics.

The work session did not have a binding vote. It was intended to be a priority-setting exercise as the Board moves forward with decisions for Excellence and Equity in the Burlington Schools.

The results of this priority exercise will go to the Board Agenda Committee for review and further recommendations on the process will return to the Board at the September or October Board meetings.