In November 2022, Burlington voters agreed to borrow $165 million to demolish and rebuild the outdated, chemical-ridden Burlington High School. Three years later, school officials say they’ll only need to take out $159 million in debt.
The $6 million in savings was possible in part because state and federal grants will cover some of the costs. The district also kept the bond money in a savings account, which generated interest that will reduce the overall debt, superintendent Tom Flanagan said.
The savings represent a small fraction of the bond, but they’re significant to Flanagan, who had told voters from the start that officials would work hard to not take on more debt than necessary.
“We’re really excited be able to deliver on that promise we made,” he said.
Borrowing less money means residents will see some reduction in taxes, but the district hasn’t yet calculated the estimated impact. Under the original bond, the owner of a home valued at $500,000 was expected to pay an additional $1,088 a year in taxes, or about $90 a month, for the new high school.
The savings are a spot of good news in what’s otherwise been a challenging five years. The former Burlington High School closed in 2020 after officials discovered toxic airborne chemicals known as PCBs throughout the Institute Road building. Students having been taking classes at a temporary campus — in a former Macy’s department store downtown — since the spring of 2021.
Meanwhile, higher than expected labor and materials costs pushed the total budget to about $204 million. A $16 million state grant for PCB cleanup and a $1 million federal stormwater grant have helped cover the cost, as has about $25 million in school district capital and surplus funds.
Officials had initially hoped to open the new school in time for this school year, but construction is running behind schedule. Students will finish out the year at Downtown BHS and move into the new school in the fall of 2026.
Students will be treated to a state-of-the-art space. During a campus tour in September, officials showcased the “student commons,” an airy, two-story area that will serve as both a cafeteria space and lobby. A wall of windows overlook the athletic fields, which have remained open throughout construction. An outdoor courtyard and numerous lounge and study spaces, when finished, will give the school a collegiate vibe.
The 255,000-square-foot building will also include indoor bike parking, a 750-seat auditorium, 150-seat black box theater and two gymnasiums, including one that community members can use after hours.
“It’s starting to look like an actual school building in there,” Flanagan said. “We’re pretty excited.”
Alison Novak contributed reporting.
