Editor’s note: This commentary is by Tony Redington, who is a strategic planner and consultant specializing in transportation policy. He lives in Burlington and blogs at TonyRVT.blogspot.com.
[W]ith the election of at least two and possibly three new school board members to the 12-member panel this March, it is important to ask where candidates stand on the important questions facing the school district and what they view is the mission of the Burlington schools.
The primary task for the school board and school district administration remains attaining the highest possible level of educational growth and performance for each and every child entrusted to its care. This requires school board leadership and careful financial management to guide the school administrators. Voters can only make informed decisions when they have the necessary information delivered in a transparent manner. The quality of public education in Burlington affects not just the life of every student in the school system but also, in itself, constitutes a major factor in attracting and retaining its population and overall community vitality.
As voters make their decisions they need to ask candidates what would they do differently to address these serious issues.
The legacy of this current board (current board responsible for budgets FY 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018) will be their failure to address the economic and academic issues across the district. The elimination of critical staff at the elementary level with resulting poor academic progress is evidenced by a 5 percent decline in grade 3 test scores. Failure to address the many serious mental health issues affecting our students impacts the entire city. Continuous upheaval and crisis evidenced by muddled financial statements and staff unrest has resulted in many resignations. During the past four years the board never addressed long-term capital needs. Decreasing ongoing yearly maintenance in anticipation of voters passing a capital bond for maintenance is financially irresponsible.
As voters make their decisions they need to ask candidates what would they do differently to address these serious issues.
A final note. There is a nearby state to follow. Yes, a state and all its towns and cities can make educational progress in the performance and growth of all its children in schools. More than a decade ago, Massachusetts — top state performer in U.S. education — began from well behind the task of upgrading its school systems. Now its performance puts it in the position of scoring in the top five or so nations in the world in all areas — language, math and science. Massachusetts did it with high levels of minority children, a diverse set of private and public schools and under the leadership of both Republican and Democratic governors, and yes with the full cooperation and involvement of teachers. And yes, this effort cost a lot money up front, implementing a Common Core curriculum, and most importantly, granting no high school degree unless a student passed an overall test. After a difficult start when heavy counseling and tutoring were needed, now well over 90 percent of students pass the test first time and get a coveted Massachusetts high school diploma.
We need to begin to look at ourselves and see how we might follow our own path here in Burlington — and yes, Vermont — to emulate the accomplishments of our sister New England state of Massachusetts. Our children deserve no less an education!
