Superintendent's Message

We are eager to hear the community’s priorities for the upcoming year. Earlier this week, we shared our Equitable Budgeting Feedback Survey. Please take a moment to fill this out to share your ideas on making our system more equitable, as defined by our ENDs and Equity Policy.

In addition, we are holding a Community Forum on Monday, November 6th from 6-7:30 pm at 577 Dorset Street or you can attend via Zoom. We look forward to hearing your thoughts!

There will also be a budget-focused Donuts and Discussion on Friday, December 1st at 9-10 am at 577 Dorset Street (no virtual option).

All FY25 budget information can be found at www.sbschools.net/budget.

This week’s staff spotlight is Tim Jarvis, Senior Director of Finance and Operations. Tim is a special spotlight for me to showcase because he exemplifies what it is to be a thriving, community-minded SBSD graduate; attributes I wish for all of our graduates. A graduate of RMCS, FHTMS, and SBHS, Tim exemplifies our District ENDs through his successful career in finance, connection to our community, and now service to the District in his current role. ENDs Policy 1.1 is Disposition for Lifelong Learning, after a most successful career in corporate finance, Tim has, overnight, adapted his skills and knowledge to propel his beloved alma mater forward through shepherding our budget, bond, ZEMs project, transportation department, and school safety initiatives, just to name a few of his projects. ENDs policy 1.2, Academic Proficiency; well, he went to Dartmouth, need I say more?! 1.3, Personal Development: Tim has long-standing personal relationships with many in our community that span decades. He was close with beloved football coach Paul Jordan and is now forging relationships with community partners to move forward a Climate Action Plan, Safe Routes to School programs, and electric buses. 1.4, Citizenship: “being proud of our shared experience and having fun along the way.” There is no graduate that I know who is more proud of their time at SBHS, from being captain of the football team to being childhood friends with our business manager’s sister, to attending prom with an employee who shall remain unnamed! Tim is honest, humble, and always has good humor, 1.4.2 in a nutshell. So, here’s to one official year (November 7th) of one of our very own graduates leading incredible progress each day in our exceptional District. Thank you, Tim!

Patrick Richardson is a student in the high school’s Transition Academy. Patrick, who is neurodiverse, also runs cross country for the SB Wolves. This past weekend at the JV State Championships at Thetford, Patrick ran his personal best, taking 40 minutes off his previous time! An enormous accomplishment and we are all exceedingly proud of you. Congratulations Patrick! We look forward to seeing what you do next!

He is also up for Burlington Free Press’s Athlete of the Week! You can vote for him here.

Know a student who deserves to be spotlighted? Fill out this form.

Last week, City Manager Jessie Baker sent out this letter to the community outlining what the City has done to improve safety near our schools. We have made progress with the temporary Traffic Monitor at Rick Marcotte who will stay throughout construction at Catamount Run, as well as the four-way stop at Marcotte, which is now a school zone. There is also a school zone at Chamberlin that has been underway. We look forward to seeing the data from a Dorset Street study and have requested that costs associated with school zone be included in the City’s FY25 budget. We hope to partner with the City to get school zones, traffic monitors and safer lighting implemented at all our schools. There is nothing more important to the safety of our students!

South Burlington City Council announced the appointment of Larry Kupferman who will serve until Town Meeting Day March 2024. Read the press release here.

​On November 2nd (today!) at 6:30 p.m., the South Burlington Steering Committee (which is composed of the School Board, City Manager, City Council, and myself) will be meeting to discuss traffic safety around the South Burlington School District schools. The meeting is available in person (180 Market Street) or virtually. Find the agenda here.

The Rotary Club of South Burlington is holding its 7th Annual Ugly Sweater Fun Run on December 10th from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at FHTMS.

The beneficiaries of this annual fundraising event are the Rotary Club of South Burlington’s local charity initiatives, including the Rotary Band Shell at Veterans Park, the South Burlington Food Shelf, Little Libraries in Recreation parks, and the annual distribution of dictionaries to all 4th-grade students as well as many worldwide and national efforts by Rotary International. They also partner with the South Burlington Academic Boosters Fund. Academic Boosters support both students and teachers who seek to engage in extended learning opportunities. A new partner this year is the Champlain Housing Trust which supports the people of Northwest Vermont and strengthens their communities through the development and stewardship of permanently affordable homes and related community assets.

They encourage you to come out for a day of fun and exercise while proudly wearing your tackiest, craziest, and UGLIEST sweaters. Bring the whole family! Participants will enjoy complimentary food and beverages, a snapshot from our photo booth, face painting, and a commemorative gift! As always, prizes will be awarded to the Ugliest Sweaters!

NEW Entrance fee: $25 for Adults (18+) / Free for ALL under 18

To register, visit the Rotary Club of South Burlington website: https://www.southburlingtonrotary.org/

Our wonderful art teachers are having an art show! The show is opening on October 26th and running through January at The Gallery at City Hall. Be sure to stop in and support our art educators!

The district is hiring! Please follow the links to read the full descriptions for these roles.

Director of Operations

Fiscal Coordinator

Bus Drivers (and Bus Aides)

Training available obtain Commercial Driver's Licenses to eligible candidates, full and part time positions available as well as van drivers and bus monitors

Special Ed teachers:

Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School

Lunchroom:

Middle School

Elementary

Traffic Monitors

Substitute Teachers

Full job descriptions are available on School Spring. If you have questions on hiring processes or on employment, please contact Elissa Galvez, Employment Specialist, egalvez@sbschools.net (802) 652-7247.

Thank you for reading!

Violet

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