Unlocking the Performing Arts: Burlington's Transformative Vote

In a pivotal move, the voters of Burlington have approved a measure that could pave the way for a new performing arts center at Aldo Leopold Intermediate School. This decision, made during a special election on Tuesday, marks a significant step forward for the community's cultural landscape.

Empowering the Arts: Burlington's Visionary Referendum

Passing the Measure: A Resounding Victory for the Arts

The special election saw a total of 974 votes cast, with the measure passing by a margin of 538 (55.24%) to 436 (44.76%). This decisive outcome grants the Burlington School Board the authority to potentially raise the Voted Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (VPPEL) by an additional 67 cents, bringing the total to no more than .34 per ,000 of assessed property valuation. This increase would be in effect for a period of six years, providing the necessary funding to bring the performing arts center to life.

Funding the Future: Leveraging Community Resources

The total cost of the expansion project is estimated to be between .5 and .5 million. The increase in VPPEL funds is expected to generate approximately million, a significant portion of the required budget. However, the Burlington School Board and district officials have stated that they may not choose to raise the VPPEL levy to the full amount. Instead, they plan to actively seek out donors and explore available grants to supplement the funding and ensure the project's success.

Transforming the Performing Arts Landscape

The new performing arts center will bring a host of improvements to the existing facilities at Aldo Leopold Intermediate School and Edward Stone Middle School. These upgrades include enhanced stage presence and acoustics, increased seating capacity (from 503 to 700), and improved accessibility. Additionally, the center will feature a stage craft area, storage space, spotlights, a sound booth, a concession stand, a vestibule, an arts lobby, new dressing rooms, and modern restrooms.

Addressing the Community's Needs

The Burlington School District has long recognized the need for a dedicated performing arts center. The existing spaces at Aldo Leopold and Edward Stone Middle School, while functional, were not designed with the specific requirements of musical performances, plays, and concerts in mind. These spaces, intended primarily for assemblies, lack the desired stage size, acoustics, set design room, and adequate lighting and seating.

Becoming the Community's CenterpieceThe new performing arts center will not only serve the students of the Burlington School District but also become the largest venue space in the city. This centralized hub for cultural events and artistic expression will undoubtedly enhance the community's vibrancy and provide a platform for local talent to shine.

Overcoming Challenges and Securing Support

In the lead-up to the special election, the Burlington School Board and district officials made concerted efforts to inform voters about the measure and advocate for its passage. This included an open house event at Aldo Leopold Intermediate School and the sharing of informative videos on social media. The district also addressed the persistent question of why a new auditorium was not included in the ongoing renovations at Burlington High School, explaining that such a project would have required an additional - million, which was beyond the district's current financial capabilities.

Securing a Brighter Future: The Community's Resounding Support

The passage of the referendum on Tuesday night was met with gratitude and enthusiasm from the Burlington School District leadership. Superintendent Robert Scott expressed his appreciation for the community's support, stating, "We are so thankful to voters for getting out and supporting this measure and for the opportunity to bring such a high-level performing arts center to our area." The district now looks forward to engaging with stakeholders, including students, parents, staff, and community members, to begin the planning and design process for this transformative project.