May 11

Our meeting last night went quite late, as the Board and teachers are still struggling with contract disputes. Many teachers showed up to share their concerns and ask that we "settle," and the Board spent a long time in executive session discussing the many unresolved issues.

Another eventful item is that I formally resigned my seat as of midnight on May 10th, thereby creating a vacancy which the City can now post. Interested candidates should gather approximately 35 signatures of registered Ward 5 voters, and deliver the petitions as soon as possible to the City Clerk. The special election will be held on June 21st or June 28th -- you should hear more about that soon. Here is the link to the ballot petitions, which you can print out. http://www.ci.burlington.vt.us/docs/3237.doc

Shortly after my resignation, the Board voted that I serve as interim Ward 5 representative until my replacement is sworn in. This will ensure that Ward 5 has full representation at important upcoming meetings, including a retreat to formulate a strategic plan for facilities going forward, based on financial and enrollment projections. This issue is of huge concern in Ward 5, and I will be there to speak on behalf of our many, growing South End families!