Committee members and district staff discussed next steps after the recent failure of a debt-exclusion vote related to Burlington High School. Chair and staff acknowledged resident concerns about tax increases and described the building’s aging core systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing). Staff recommended reapplying to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) and consulting neighboring districts that have recently been approved to learn successful approaches.

District staff and several committee members advocated keeping the high-school building committee active to prepare a strong statement of interest when the MSBA window opens (historically January–April), to use prior feasibility work and the MSBA’s periodic evaluation data, and to broaden the committee to include additional expertise such as grant writing. A member emphasized that MSBA rankings are comparative across the Commonwealth and encouraged building a stronger, targeted statement rather than abandoning the process.

Separately, the Fox Hill building project is approaching the bidding phase: staff reported notices going out in December and bids expected back in January, with construction to begin in spring as weather permits. The facilities and transportation update also noted routine maintenance and three new bus drivers being trained to replace turnover among drivers.

Committee members discussed options including a multi-year renovation plan to avoid piecemeal projects, and staff said they would continue pursuing grant and planning options while respecting the clear message from voters about large tax increases.