Williston
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SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
WILLISTON’S NEWSPAPER SINCE 1985
School enrollment on steady decline … … and other takeaways from CVSD’s annual demographic study BY JASON STARR Observer staff Each fall, before it’s time to budget for the upcoming fiscal year and as a way to re-introduce school board members to their constituents, Champlain Valley School District administrators present a demographic deep dive. The school district — which encompasses Williston, Shelburne, Charlotte, Hinesburg and St. George — will be educating 3,601 students this school year across six school buildings. That enrollment remains the largest of any school district in the State of Vermont, but it is also part of a steady decline. Since the fall of 2022, the district has lost nearly 300
students (7.4 percent). “Like most of Vermont, we are declining,” Chief Operations Officer Gary Marckres said Tuesday during the administrators’ demographic presentation to the school board. Williston’s two schools — Allen Brook (grades K-2) and Williston Central (grades 3-8) — have a combined 903 students, more than any of the district’s K-8 schools. CVU High School has an enrollment of 1,177 this year. The demographic study breaks down the racial and socio-economic makeup of CVSD’s student body. The district is 85% white, 4.8% mixed race, 3.9% Hispanic, 3.5% Black and 2.7% Asian. About 3% of students have English as a second language. In total, more than 20 languages are spoken among students, according to Director see STUDY page 7
Tigers take down Redhawks
CVU’s Alex Jovell makes a leaping catch on his way to the end zone during the Redhawks’ 12-7 loss to the Middlebury Tigers on Saturday in Hinesburg. See page 24 for more photos. OBSERVER PHOTO BY AL FREY
ABS names Bianchi new principal
Educator has been with CVSD for 21 years OBSERVER STAFF REPORT
Caitlin Bianchi
WWW.WILLISTONOBSERVER.COM
Caitlin Bianchi has taken over for Angela Filion as principal of Allen Brook School. Bianchi is a familiar face at ABS, having worked in Williston schools for 21 years both as a classroom teacher and math coordinator. Most recently, she was the math coordinator for both Allen Brook
and Williston Central schools. In that role, she provided professional development to math faculty, served as a math instructional coach and collaborated with other district math coordinators and coaches to support student and educator needs. Prior to that, Bianchi was a classroom teacher at ABS. She earned her Principal Endorsement from St. Michael’s College in 2025. “Caitlin brings a deep love for, dedication to, and
expertise in supporting students and the educators who serve them,” Champlain Valley School District Superintendent Adam Bunting said in a news release. “Our hiring committee was especially moved by the reverence she holds for both our learners and her colleagues. Those who have worked with Caitlin know exactly how lucky Allen Brook is to have her stepping into this role.” After eight years leading ABS, Filion is transitioning to the
district-level role of interim director of student and community engagement. She and Bianchi will work together at ABS until Filion starts her new job on Oct. 1. “ABS is a special place that nurtures our youngest learners as they start their educational pathways,” Bianchi said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to continue the excellent work that our Allen Brook community is doing while also helping our faculty, staff and students grow.”
Handmade Italian Cuisine
Dinner Served Nightly, 83 Church Street
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