By Kolby LaMarche

The Burlington School District  is advancing a fiscally cautious budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year that balances educational priorities with taxpayer concerns, Superintendent Tom Flanagan announced in a recent community update.

The proposed budget features a total spending increase of 4.47% over the current year, allowing the district to maintain existing service levels while addressing key academic and equity goals, leaders say.

Under the plan, property taxes would rise by 4.31%—a figure lower than initial projections—thanks in part to anticipated state-level relief. 

The proposal assumes Governor Phil Scott’s proposed $75 million statewide property tax buy-down, which officials describe as the “most likely scenario.” Without this aid, however, tax impacts could be significantly higher, potentially nearing 9% in an estimate released by the district. 

Flanagan highlighted that the budget incorporates extensive input from the School Board, leadership team, community members, and School Advisory Groups over recent months. 

Amid a multi-year trend of declining enrollment, the proposal includes targeted staffing adjustments: 6.5 positions eliminated due to fewer students, plus an additional 3.5 district office roles. 

These reductions build on cuts in each of the past four budget cycles. District leaders stress a measured approach—relying on attrition and restructuring—to minimize disruptions and avoid mass layoffs. 

In prior years, nearly all affected teachers have been retained through reassignments.

Despite fiscal tightening, the budget prioritizes the district’s Strategic Plan objectives. It continues investments in student well-being, belonging, equity, and restorative practices, while supporting efforts to recruit and retain educators “reflective of the student body”. 

Academic focus areas include updating the coaching model to provide more direct student support, bolstering early literacy through universal screening and science-of-reading training, expanding elementary math resources, and growing in-district special education programs for students with significant needs, the district says.

“I will propose a budget that includes a total budget increase of 4.47%,” Flanagan wrote. “Thankfully, the tax increase is lower than what we originally expected.” He expressed confidence that the plan would sustain schools as places “where all students can grow, belong, and thrive,” thanking the community for its engagement.

A final vote by the board is expected tonight. 

School districts statewide are navigating rising costs in health care, special education, and inflation, while relying on potential legislative action for tax relief. 

Some reports indicate Burlington’s total proposed budget exceeds $140 million, with officials noting that state buy-down support could prevent deeper cuts—possibly averting additional position reductions.

Community members have opportunities to stay informed via the district website (bsdvt.org), where budget documents and updates are posted. 

BSD leaders continue emphasizing collaboration, noting positive school observations post-winter break: engaged classrooms, student friendships, and spirited extracurriculars like hockey games.

Burlington residents will have the ability to vote on the school’s proposed budget on Town Meeting Day, in March.