[B]URLINGTON — The Burlington School Board has instructed Superintendent Yaw Obeng to put the brakes on plans for two new preschool projects in the city.
In a resolution adopted 7-3 Monday night, the board called for a halt to any planning and construction work on pre-kindergarten facilities on the grounds of C.P. Smith and Champlain elementary schools.
The resolution, which had been posted earlier in the day on the school district website, was opposed by commissioners Mark Barlow, Ryan McLaren and Liz Curry.
Chairperson Clare Wool, who did not vote but spoke in support of the resolution, said she and Obeng would meet shortly to discuss how best to proceed.
The construction plan drew criticism at recent Neighborhood Planning Assembly and City Council meetings from residents who it was inconsistent with a $19 million bond issue that was approved by voters in March 2017.
Because funds from that ballot item were to be targeted for district-wide deferred maintenance projects, some critics said they felt deceived when money was allocated for the preschool projects. The expected price tag for the preschool construction has been estimated at just under $9 million.
“We haven’t engaged the community in a manner that’s respectful,” said Wool. “We have to be fiscally responsible and honor all the work our district leaders have done.”
Among other issues raised were concerns over the busing of young children across the city and a potential decline in home values near the proposed pre-K structures.
In addition, Michelle Smith, who lives on Ira Lane across from C.P. Smith, said she was uneasy about speeding vehicles along Ethan Allen Parkway where the school is located.
Smith also pointed to a memo from school attorneys on the district website that she said gives the City Council and the School Board “discretion” on the character of building improvements.
“As a taxpayer, I feel the school district can ask for anything on a ballot and then do anything it wants,” she said.
During the public comment period at Monday’s meeting, Ward One resident Martha Lang called for a halt to the projects and asked for more time for the board to receive public comment.
Alison Segar told the board that the Pre-K options are a hot-button topic. “There are large bodies of people in this town who have very strong opinions about child care,” she said. “Think about the voices not being heard.”
