Burlington School Board Reviews Major Plans, Approves Strategic Initiatives, 4/28 meeting

by Derek White

The Burlington School District RE-6J Board of Education held its regular meeting on April 28, 2025, with a full agenda highlighting long-term planning, infrastructure, and staff support measures.

During the session, RTA Architects presented three potential facility master plan scenarios, ranging from $22 million for high-priority repairs to $108 million for a comprehensive PreK–8 consolidation at the middle school site. In response, Superintendent Tom Walkinshaw requested an additional quote for a PreK–12 campus to ensure all options are considered. The board later voted to table the facility decision until this new estimate is available.

Meanwhile, Wrench/Meek Consulting delivered the finalized five-year strategic plan, and Instructional Coach Neelly Schott introduced the district’s "Portrait of a Learner," a vision shaped by student, staff, and community feedback.

Key approvals included:

·       Final adoption of several board policies (GCE/GCF, GOE/GDF, GDE-GDF-R, and GBA)

·       The district’s new strategic plan

·       The annual ESEA General Assurance Form

·       Purchase of two Expeditions from Phil Long Ford, saving the district over $20,000

·       A Chromebook order for Burlington Middle and High School’s 1:1 initiative

·       Renewal of the NWEA MAPS testing subscription

·       Approval of 19 sick days from the district’s Sick Bank for a middle school office aide recovering from a serious back injury

·       Acquisition of a new food service vehicle to improve meal delivery to the high school

The board also discussed the growing interest in agriculture education, prompting consideration for hiring a second Ag teacher to support increased student enrollment.

The meeting concluded with board members expressing appreciation for district administrators and staff. The next board meeting is scheduled for May 19 at 7:00 p.m.