Burlington School Superintendant Lyman Amsden

"Vote for the school budget," was the message from fellow Rotarian Lyman Amsden on the eve of Town Meeting Day.

Although the Burlington School budget has risen 7%, there are no new programs that can be scaled back, as the 7% increase is only to maintain what we have. Lyman implored voters to ignore the advice proffered by some to "send a message" to Montpelier by voting down the budget.

Lyman described four areas of commitment for the Burlington School District:

1. Keep neighborhood schools, which although expensive, the community has strongly supported (there are 19 buildings to maintain).

2. Keep athletics and after school programs.

3. Keep the arts programs intact; Burlington has very good music, art and theater programs that we don't want to lose.

4. Keep property values strong by maintaining a good school system. Without good schools, fewer people will find Burlington a desirable place to live.

Lyman faces a continual uphill battle in this struggle over the school budget. The Rotary Club of Burlington thanks Lyman for his hard work and we appreciate all of his efforts on behalf of Burlington Schools.