Former school board member offers a few thoughts on the budget

To the Editor: 

The South Burlington School District budget failed to gain voter approval and we have been told Montpelier is to blame. That may be true, but does it really matter when it comes to the next vote? Montpelier defines the rules that govern education funding and the new rules have been known for two years. It’s now up to school districts to adjust and change. 

We are now being asked to vote on a revised budget that includes program and personnel cuts and a double-digit tax increase. Sadly, this is not a one-off situation. We can expect to face similar decisions in future years.  

I have attended two budget meeting presentations, which were very well done. The cuts and tax rates were reviewed. However, there was nothing presented on finding ways to reduce costs and address growing student needs. The answer cannot always be program cuts and tax increases. Here are two thoughts I have. 

Everyone wants the best teachers. In South Burlington that typically means hiring experienced teachers from other districts. There is nothing wrong with hiring experience in any profession. However, is experience always the best hire?  

Universities are turning out talented people. Attitude, level of engagement and the ability to motivate students is of greater importance. New and lesser experienced teachers need to work somewhere. Why not in South Burlington where we commit resources for teacher coaching and mentor teachers? Why commit these resources if most of our teachers are heavily experienced?  

The starting salary in fiscal year 2025 is $53,779 and the top of the schedule is $107,772. Hiring less experienced teachers will impact current and future budgets as experienced teachers retire or leave the district. A lower starting wage creates initial savings and results in the individual taking longer to reach the highest levels of the salary schedule.  

Education budgets are primarily costs related to people. A change in hiring practices, as openings occur, should result in savings. 

The district purchases its insurance from the Vermont School Board Insurance Trust, which has been serving schools for over 40 years. Their products and services are not at issue. The issue is the insurance trust program has not been market tested and the South Burlington School District spends over $600,000 annually. By market tested, I mean it has not been put to a competitive test to determine if its program delivers the best value. Two larger districts have left the trust in the past 10 years after taking their programs to the market.  

Decisions like this are usually based on coverage, service, risk assumption and premiums. The market will always tell you what something is worth. By taking the program to the market you would confirm the decision to use the Vermont School Board Insurance Trust or realize savings. Either way South Burlington wins.  

Bryan Companion

South Burlington