BCAT News

The following is a letter to the editor and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of BNEWS. 

As Burlington residents, we all want the best for our children and our town. That’s why the proposed Burlington High School Building and Renovation Plan deserves our full support. This isn’t just a construction project—it’s a long-term investment in education, community, and economic vitality.

Our current high school is showing serious signs of age. Outdated science labs, limited ADA accessibility, and aging infrastructure like HVAC and electrical systems are more than inconveniences—they’re obstacles to modern learning. Over half of the classrooms lack natural light, which research shows can significantly impact student performance. In fact, students in well-lit classrooms progress 20% faster in math and 26% faster in reading, and score 7% to 18% higher on standardized tests than those in poorly lit environments. Daylight exposure has also been linked to improved attendance, better mood, enhanced focus, and healthier sleep cycles—critical factors for adolescent development. Renovating with daylight in mind isn’t a luxury; it’s a proven investment in student success.

I was not personally involved in the planning process and didn’t know about this project until recently, however, the School Building Committee has demonstrated all the necessary steps of two years of careful planning, community engagement, and expert analysis. Residents have had countless opportunities to provide input, including public forums, surveys, and working groups.  The School Building Committee evaluated many different options, including renovation-only, new construction, and hybrid approaches. After thorough analysis, the committee unanimously selected the addition-renovation plan: a solution that preserves valuable community spaces while delivering a modern, future-ready academic environment.

The proposed plan costs $334 million, just slightly more than the $330 million it would take to simply bring the current building up to code. But here’s the key difference: the renovation-only option doesn’t improve educational spaces or address the outdated layout. It’s like putting a very expensive coat of paint on a car with a failing engine. The renovation and new build gives us collaborative classrooms, integrated technology, and community spaces that serve everyone.

Some residents who have assessed the existing building as “just fine” or that “they’ve measured it” lack the experience that the suite of experts assembled on this project have brought to the table: architecture, education, accessibility, and infrastructure planning. Relying on casual assessments from individuals without professional experience risks overlooking critical factors that affect student outcomes and long-term value.

Some residents believe that a renovation-only plan should be pursued. But renovation-only plans carry hidden risks. Older buildings often reveal costly surprises once construction begins, like failing systems or structural issues, that can drive up expenses and delay timelines, making the initial savings illusory. Without redesign, we’re left with a layout that doesn’t support modern teaching methods or student collaboration. In contrast, a comprehensive addition-renovation plan allows for a future-ready design that supports how students learn today and tomorrow.

Waiting to act will cost us more. Construction inflation is projected to rise 17% in 5 years, 30% in 10 years, and over 50% in 20 years, driven by material volatility, labor shortages, and global supply chain pressures. Delaying means paying significantly more for less, with no guarantee of state funding or that such funding would even cover the inflation incurred from delaying.

And let’s not forget the financial upside to the choice today! Every dollar spent on modernizing school buildings can save $11 in future costs, such as emergency repairs to energy-efficiencies realized, plus homes near high-performing schools can see property value increases of 10% to 20%. This benefits all residents – not just families with school-aged children. Communities with modern, high-performing schools attract families and businesses, boosting demand for housing and increasing home equity. Investing in our schools is investing in our town’s economic vitality!

I urge all Burlington residents—especially parents, grandparents, and anyone who cares about our town’s future and its kids to get informed and vote in favor of this plan. Let’s give our children the school they need and our town the future it deserves.

Melissa Haase