Dear neighbors - After a three-month "summer
sabbatical" in Washington, D.C., I am back in
town and went to my first school board meeting
this evening - a special meeting of the Finance
Committee. That's a fitting way to start what
will be, once again, a challenging year. At the
top of THIS year's plate of worries is the
Challenges for Change suggested target for
cuts. Budget cuts do make sense in most of
Vermont, where student population has declined
and per-pupil costs have gone through the roof.
But our numbers are actually UP from what they
have been. As those of you who have
elementary-age children know, we are at capacity
- and in some cases beyond, especially in the
South End of the city, where many young families
are joining our community. Lots more on that in
the weeks to come. As usual, the agenda will be
packed this school year, and I will try to
update you as much as possible on what's
happening, and how you can make your voices
heard. In the meantime, please don't hesitate
to get in touch with any questions or concerns
and to all the kids out there -- have a great
school year!
Warm wishes,
Amy
Werbel
Ward 5 School Commissioner
12
Catherine Street
awerbel@bsdvt.org