Superintendent's Message
Violet Nichols
Dear Parents/Guardians and Staff,
Last week, students from Rick Marcotte, Gertrude Chamberlin, and Orchard Elementary joined other elementary schools in the area at a UVM women’s basketball game. Here students pose with Carly, a student teacher at Gertrude Chamberlin, and a member of the UVM's team.
Budget Information
As noted, the numbers above are before income sensitivity reductions. Two thirds of South Burlington residents have income under $136,500, and therefore pay a reduced tax, decreasing the figures above.
And finally, the below graph demonstrates how the tax rate has trended over the past 19 years in comparison to the 2024 proposed rate, which is below the 5, 10 and 15-year tax rate averages.
ZEMS and Impact Fee update
On Monday, January 23, there will be a public hearing for the City Council Steering Committee. (Once the agenda is finalized, it will be available here).This is the final step in turning impact fees back on. This ordinance has received full support of the City Council in discussions. If implemented, impact fees would pay the district back for an estimated 91% of the cost of the ZEMs bond that is being brought forward to our community in March.
More detailed information on the budget and bond (which includes info on the ZEMs) can be found on our district website and and last week's newsletter.
And don’t forget these important dates!
Steering Committee budget presentations: Monday, January 23 at 6:30 p.m. at 180 Market Street or virtual at GoToMeeting
School board meetings in person/virtual (February 1, and February 15) These meetings are recorded and available at The Media Factory (Note that there is no meeting on March 1 due to winter break)
Pre-Town Meeting March 6 at 180 Market St. Auditorium and virtual on GoToMeeting (Links will be available on southburlington.gov closer to meeting dates)
Vote on Town Meeting Day: March 7
School's Out Update
Al Thomson and Mike Tavares from Schools Out, worked together with the Office of Learning to submit applications for grants for the Afterschool programs and we just found out that we were awarded the grant! It includes:
- new staff in the K-4 program to increase the number of activities available
- adding a morning program for K-5
Summer programs that
Focus on 5-8 experiential program
a K-4 enrichment program
a K-4 program that links the K-4 summer school program to thematic afternoon program.
New ideas that will expand on these programs in Year 2
NEW State Assessment (VTCAP)
Hiring Updates
Searches are underway for several important positions in our district including:
Rick Marcotte Central School Principal
A national search is being conducted
A diverse committee of stakeholders has been convened to lead this search process
The process will include three rounds of formal interviews, in addition to meetings with students, staff, and community
Site visits and a community forum will be conducted the week of February 6th (more information to follow)
The interview committee will send finalists to me; a recommendation for hire will then be brought to our School Board in February
- Executive Director of Learning
A national search being conducted
A diverse committee of stakeholders has been convened to lead this search process including community members, administrators, teachers, coaches, and support staff
First round interviews with the interview committee and second round interviews (with school administrators) are scheduled to be completed by January 25, with finalist recommendations then being brought to me for a third-round interview in February
These aforementioned positions, as well as other exciting opportunities, are available on School Spring. If you have questions regarding these positions or search processes, please contact Elissa Galvez, Employment Specialist, egalvez@sbschools.net (802) 652-7247.
Dates to Note
January 27: MS/HS Late Start at 10:35am
Elementary Early Release at 12:30pm
February 10: MS/HS Late Start at 10:35am
Elementary Early Release at 12:30pm
February 27-March 7: Winter Break, No School
March 13: Online registration for pre K and kindergarten beginsViolet Nichols