BCAT News

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

In recent weeks, a familiar slogan has resurfaced in our civic discourse: “No new taxes.” It’s a phrase that promises simplicity, restraint, and fiscal prudence. But when applied to the question of funding a new high school, it risks becoming a barrier to progress—and a disservice to the very community it claims to protect.

Let’s be clear: opposing new taxes is not inherently wrong. But when that opposition blocks investment in public education, it becomes a refusal to plan for the future. A new high school is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Our current facility, built for a different era, no longer reflects the standards we expect for modern education. Outdated infrastructure and limited adaptability are not just inconveniences—they are symptoms of civic neglect.

The “no new taxes” position often stems from a genuine concern. But slogans are not solutions. They flatten complex tradeoffs into binary choices and obscure the deeper question: What kind of Burlington do we want to be in 2050? A town that invests in its youth, or one that defers responsibility until the cost—financial and social—is far greater?

Real estate taxes are not a punishment. They serve as a mechanism for shared investment. They reflect our collective commitment to infrastructure that benefits all residents, not just those with children in school. Public education is a public asset. Just as we fund roads, fire stations, and water systems, we must invest in schools that serve everyone.

Some argue that as a minority party, their opposition is a principled stand against waste. But this is not about party lines—it’s about civic lines. The ones that connect generations, neighborhoods, and futures. Political winds may shift, but the need for safe, modern, and inclusive learning environments remains constant.

We must ask ourselves: What message do we send when we refuse to fund a new high school? Are our children not worth the investment? That our educators must make do with less? Can our town’s future wait?

Burlington deserves better. Our students deserve better. And our civic identity demands better. Let’s move beyond slogans. Let’s engage in transparent, data-driven dialogue. Let’s build not just a school, but a legacy.

James McNiff, Resident