BCAT News

BEA PETITIONS FOR MORE FLEXIBILITY & COLLABORATION IN SCHOOL CALENDAR
During public participation, Sean Musselman, Science & Social Studies Specialist of Burlington Public Schools and President of the Burlington Educators’ Association (BEA), addressed the board with other members of the BEA in attendance.

As the committee was preparing to approve the 2025-2026 School Calendar, and the BEA’s Union Contract in executive session, Musselman implored that they present a calendar and schedule that gives faculty more “collaboration, planning time, and professional development experiences for our educators so that they can be better prepared for your students and for the students to come.”

Members of the BEA in attendance held signs reading “Unlock Our Potential. Early Release Days = Teacher Preparedness” and “Teachers Thrive with Time”. You can watch Musselman’s full comments here.

COMMITTEE ENDORSES EXPANSION TO THE COMMUNITY GARDEN
Senior Volunteer Peter Coppola and Food Pantry Manager Julie Lewis were before the committee requesting their endorsement to expand The Community Garden. The Community Garden, which is overseen by the Burlington Food Pantry, currently sits on the grounds behind Francis Wyman Elementary.

Updates would include expanding the grounds forty-feet towards Laurel Lane. There would still be a space of thirty feet between the garden and residential area, and Coppola explained residents would see no difference, and that on the garden side they could see a projected 50% increase in produce.

Despite the fact the garden is on school grounds, updates would be of no cost to the schools. Coppola says the DPW is willing to do the excavation work if they find other means to take down the trees, which they currently are working on securing a contract.

The committee unanimously endorsed the expansion. You can view the full discussion here.

MARSHALL SIMONDS FIELD RENOVATIONS PROJECT MOVES FORWARD
BPS Director of Operations Bob Cunha provided the committee an update on where the Marshall Simonds Field Renovation project currently stands. 

Cunha shared renderings of the new fields, which include turfing, handicap accessible walkway and parking spaces, LED lighting, and nature seating with a paved row. 

The committee voted to approve the project as presented, pending any minor changes by the Conservation Commission. The next step would be to send the project out to bid to potential contractors. You can view Cunha’s full presentation here.