School budget season is here

The Champlain Valley School District (CVSD) Board is beginning the budget process for the 2021–2022 school year. This budget will be presented to voters before and on Town Meeting Day, March 2, 2021. The board is providing virtual opportunities for community members to give input regarding next year’s budget.

In a press release, Bonnie Birdsall, CVSD director of digital learning & communication wrote, “While this has been quite the unusual year, the board and administration are planning around a return to normalcy for the 2021–2022 school year. Are there parts of our current experience that we should continue? Thanks to federal and state funding, we are optimistic we will be starting next year on sound financial footing. Should this change, what areas of the budget do you believe are important to protect? We invite you to join us in the discussion.”

Community members can share their thoughts and rate those of others on the CVSD Budget Thoughtexchange by Oct. 23.

There is a virtual CVSD Community Budget Forum on Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. that will allow discussion regarding what taxpayers value most in local schools and will provide an overview of CVSD’s financial outlook. School principals from Charlotte, Shelburne, Williston and Hinesburg will present their thoughts as well. Information about how to join the forum will be posted on the Budget page of the CVSD website and communicated through school newsletters. A full schedule of future school budget meetings can be found on the district’s website.