April 7, 2010

Dear neighbors,

In between the rain drops, there is some hopeful news at Champlain School regarding our over-enrollment problems.  The Finance Committee last night passed a motion recommending that the full board approve the hiring of an additional fifth grade teacher for next year, so that we would have class sizes closer to 20 (down from a projected 26).   After looking closely at the numbers, our Superintendent and Principal Colomb decided that this was the best way to go to ensure academic excellence, and they recommended that we pursue this course.  Everyone has promised to work hard to find the money without increasing deficit spending. 

One of the big problems we face on the Board is a lack of certainty about State and Federal funding -- which often does not get decided until well after our budget process concludes.  In the meantime, we try to maintain fiscal caution while doing the best we can for kids.  This additional fifth grade teacher would help us manage that bubble next year, and then the room and staff could be used for a third kindergarten for the year beginning in Fall, 2011.  Unfortunately, there is absolutely no room to solve both our kindergarten and fifth grade problems next year.  

We have two upcoming meetings you can attend if these issues are of interest to you:  On Tuesday, April 13th, the Curriculum Committee will hold a special meeting to hear a report on District-wide enrollment at 5 p.m. at the Ira Allen Building, 150 Colchester Ave.; on Tuesday, May 11th at 7 p.m., the full Board will vote on the teacher hire at Champlain, at the high school in the cafeteria.  There will be an opportunity for public comment at both meetings.

Until then, write me with any lingering questions or concerns, and enjoy the sunshine between the rain drops.

Amy Werbel
Ward 5 School Commissioner
awerbel@bsdvt.org
12 Catherine Street
www.amywerbel.info