Williston
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Permit #15 Williston,VT 05495 POSTAL CUSTOMER
NOVEMBER 16, 2023
WILLISTON’S NEWSPAPER SINCE 1985
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ABS expansion comes online
anticipates the new space will eventually have to be converted to classrooms as new home construction in town is predicted to continue apace. “We are anticipating more families arriving, and although we haven’t seen that enrollment increase quite yet, we are getting ready for that,” said Filion. “We’ll be ready for additional classroom spaces out there should we need to pivot to that.” The new space has its own restrooms and sinks and is not connected to the main building. It was first anticipated to arrive over the summer and be ready for the start of the school year. But by last spring, it was clear that it wouldn’t be ready until this fall. The buildings were delivered to the school parking lot in October and moved into position within a matter of days. see EXPANSION page 15
‘This is not meant to be a longterm solution’ BY JASON STARR Observer staff
Allen Brook School is adding two classroom spaces over Thanksgiving break. But they won’t be used as actual classrooms, at least not yet. The rectangular, prefabricated square-footage was added to the front yard of the elementary school in October. Facilities staff will be outfitting the interior of the space next week while students are out for Thanksgiving break. ABS Principal Angela Filion said the space will be reserved for staff use — offices and meeting rooms — for this school year. That will free up office space in the main building for small group instruction. But she
Williston footwear factory ramps up production Queen City Footwear produces house shoes and sneakers from an unassuming commercial condo on Shunpike Road. Read about the inner workings of the shoe and leather factory in this month’s Hub business section, starting on Page 4. OBSERVER PHOTO BY JASON STARR
School district grapples with loss of state, federal funding BY JASON STARR Observer staff
Two modular classrooms have been constructed outside Allen Brook School in anticipation of increased school enrollment. This school year, the space will be used solely as staff offices and meeting rooms. OBSERVER PHOTO BY JASON STARR
Champlain Valley School District administrators won’t present a draft budget for the upcoming fiscal year until the school board meets on Nov. 28. But they already are warning of a hefty tax increase.
There’s tons on sale November 24-26th
s a le
3-day Black Friday Sale Friday thru Sunday!
Barre, Williston, St. Albans Plattsburgh, NY Sale Hours: Fri 10-6, Sale in-stores and online at LennyShoe.com. No special orders, no rain checks, limited to on hand inventory. Styles vary by store. While supplies last. Sat 10-5, Sun 11-4
Select Darn Tough Vermont Socks
15.00
$
Merino Wool Men’s & Women’s
“This reduction in funds will require some really difficult decisions.” Gary Marckres CVSD Chief Operations Officer
Since the passage of the Equitable School Funding Act (Act 127) last year, which redistributes the state’s education fund to better support students with greater barriers to education, it’s become clear that the comparatively well-off Champlain Valley School District will be see FUNDING page 15
Select Kuhl
50% OFF
20% OFF ONE REGULAR PRICED ITEM
In-Stores Only Nov. 24-26 at Lenny’s
1903-DK Teal 1973-Gray 5007-Charcoal 1997-Eclipse 1988-Vapor 5001-Acorn
Offer valid 11/24/23-11/26/23 on regular priced in-store items only. Coupon must be surrendered at time of purchase and can’t be combined with other offers. Limit one coupon per customer. Coupon not valid at the Outlet Store or online. No cash value. Exclusive Darn Tough socks, Yeti, Sitka, Gift Cards & Gun Safes excluded. WO
*BKF23*