by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Voters in the City of Burlington passed all major spending bills and bonds overwhelmingly, including the school budget, while Democrats comfortably retained control of the City Council with 7 of the 12 members. A ballot item that would ban guns in bars also passed with 87%, but the measure also requires approval by the Legislature because it would require a charter change.
Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak issued the following statement shortly after results were reported in Burlington’s Town Meeting Day election: “I am grateful to Burlington voters for their resounding support of the General Obligation ($20 million), LAKE ($152 million) and WATER ($20 million) bonds.” The LAKE bond includes a major upgrade to the Main Wastewater Treatment Plant ($127 million). Water resources bills will nearly double over the next five years.
“This bonding authority is crucial to help the City meet our housing, climate, and safety goals. My administration takes seriously our obligation to be good stewards of City resources, and our work to make Burlington an affordable community will continue well into the future. I would also like to thank the many city employees who helped to educate voters on the purpose of these infrastructure investments and AFSCME, BPOA, and BFFA for their public support of all three bonds.”
“I commend the candidates in the district-level City Council races, who demonstrated their care for our community and their desire to work collaboratively to move Burlington forward. I congratulate Councilors Barlow and Grant on their re-elections, and Councilors-elect Allie Schachter and Buddy Singh on their victories. I look forward to the new Council session beginning in April, and I welcome the constructive policy debates and true collaboration that will allow us to lead this City forward together.”
“I also appreciate voters overwhelming support for the charter change to ban firearms in bars. For the second time in recent history, Burlington voters have made clear their support for this important policy change. My administration will advocate for the legislature to respect the will of the voters and adopt this charter change.”
Burlington voters also said “YES” to public schools. Burlington School District’s (BSD) proposed 2025-2026 budget ($134.7 million) passed with more than 73% of all votes cast in its favor.
“On behalf of Burlington School District and the Burlington Board of School Commissioners, we want to thank the Queen City’s voters for their continued support of Burlington schools!” said BSD Superintendent Tom Flanagan and Board Chair Clare Wool.
“I am excited about the budget we put forward because it continues to support students, our values, and our employees while reducing tax rates for Burlingtonians and allowing us to proactively plan for future building needs and capital improvements,” said Flanagan. “I’m also aware that this vote is a message to those in our state and federal government who are proposing massive changes to our educational landscape and, in some cases, undermining the real work of providing an equitable educational experience for all. Burlingtonians value diversity, equity, and inclusion and appreciate that we are working hard to ensure that every learner in Burlington School District is challenged, empowered, and engaged.”
Board Chair Clare Wool noted that the proposed budget is estimated to lower property tax rates by 4%. “After asking taxpayers for a large increase last year due to our high school and technical center bond, we wanted to show our steadfast commitment to protecting taxpayers while supporting students. We are so grateful residents heard that message and approved next year’s budget. With our proposed budget, we were able to lower tax rates because we have been very careful with staffing decisions and we did not add new initiatives or programs. We also benefited from the work our school board did to help pass Vermont’s new weighted pupil law, Act 127, which provides more equitable funding to meet the needs of students in our district.”
Burlington School District Provides Budget “One-pager” Along with Annual Report
According to the BSD, the District’s proposed $134.7 million budget will reduce tax rates by 4%. To ensure voters are aware of the tax impact, and have all the information they need to make an informed decision, BSD has published their 2024 Annual Report and a one-page sheet packed with budget information.
Both can be found online at www.bsdvt.org. One-pager can also be found below.
“This year’s Annual Report provides a great summary of the work happening in our District,” said BSD Superintendent Tom Flanagan. “It covers important information about our Strategic Plan, as well as student demographics, graduation rates, and successes. It also takes a deep dive into this year’s budget, and explains how the School Board and District leaders worked together to put forward a budget that meets students' needs while also lowering tax rates by 4%!”
Flanagan noted that in addition to tax information, a favorite section of the report highlights student, staff, and School District achievements. “Last year BSD was proud to help produce five Vermont presidential scholars, were honored to have the Vermont teacher of the year, and we did a great job of working with the State of Vermont to secure help to pay for our new high school and technical center. This section of the report really shows how much we are doing to make sure every learner is challenged, empowered, and engaged.”
Flanagan also noted the District plans to publish a line item budget in the coming days. In the meantime, the Annual Report and one-pager are available online at www.bsdvt.org. Copies of the Annual Report can also be picked up at Fletcher Free Library, City Hall, the Old North End Community Center, the Miller Center, DPW, and at BSD’s Central Offices (150 Colchester Ave.).
Town Meeting Day is March 4, 2025.
Burlington School District (BSD) is a pre-k-12 public school system of about 3,200 students in Burlington, VT. BSD’s mission is to graduate students who: value different cultures, engage with the community, communicate effectively, think creatively, skillfully solve problems, and achieve at their highest academic, intellectual, and personal potential. Join the Journey! www.bsdvt.org
