South Burlington voters soundly rejected a proposed $53.7 million school budget as voters went to the polls Thursday wearing masks required because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The budget lost with 64.5% of voters, or 2,924 residents, voting no and 35.5%, or 1,613 residents, voting yes.
Voters initially rejected a proposed $55.8 million budget proposal and a proposed $209.6 million bond to rebuild the city’s middle school and high school on Town Meeting Day in March.
The $53.7 million budget voters rejected Thursday would have led to an estimated 5.91% tax increase. The initial budget, which lost by a margin of 57% to 43%, would have increased taxes by 11.2%.
The district cut planned facility upgrades, pay increases for non-union staff, and some positions, including an alumni development position and transportation logistics position, from the budget voters rejected Thursday.
The budget faced opposition from residents who also opposed the March budget and bond vote and who expressed concern about the price tag and effect of the pandemic on the school system.
Supporters of the budget, including the school board and teachers union, said the spending was necessary to avoid impacting the student experience.
Bridget Burkhardt, the school board’s clerk, told VTDigger earlier this week that in the event of a no vote, the district would have to draft a budget that makes cuts to student programing, including extracurricular activities, extra help programs for students who are struggling, and staff focused on the social/emotional well-being of students.
Without an approved budget, the district has to move forward planning for level funding from the previous academic year, which would lead to teacher layoffs. Last year’s budget was $51.7 million.
The city required voters to wear masks inside polling places in an attempt to limit potential spread of the virus. Polling places were also reconfigured for one-way pedestrian traffic, and floors were marked to ensure voters kept 6 feet apart.
Poll workers wore gloves and a plastic barrier was placed in front of the check-in table. Only one voter was allowed at a voting booth per time, and the city encouraged voters to bring their own pens.
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