Voters approve bond for new Central Vermont Career Center facility

Voters approve bond for new Central Vermont Career Center facility

by

BARRE — Voters in the 18-town Central Vermont Career Center district approved a $54.9 million bond to finance a new facility on the East Montpelier campus of U-32 Middle and High School, with the measure passing decisively 9,738-6,609. The proposal, which required a second try after a $149 million plan was rejected last year, also secured approval for a 30-year land lease on 2.3 acres of the U-32 campus, which passed by a wider margin of 10,153-6,102.

A Second Attempt with Adjusted Plan

Unlike the previous November vote, which saw the $149 million plan rejected 5,751-3,873, this year’s proposal garnered more support with a record-setting turnout. CVCC Superintendent Jody Emerson attributed the success to the district’s response to the earlier defeat, which included reaching out to critics, brainstorming alternatives, and settling on a revised plan that addressed key concerns. The new plan retained half of CVCC’s programs at Spaulding High School in Barre while moving the remainder into a 61,000-square-foot building adjacent to U-32.

Emerson Expresses Gratitude

Emerson expressed gratitude after the results were announced in Barre, remarking, I’m just super grateful. Thank you!. Emerson and CVCC Business Manager Michelle Leeman monitored the process, with Emerson joking that she sent a photo of a rainbow to Leeman and said, “We’re good.”

Central Vermont Career Center bond vote passes for technical school expansion

What Comes Next

With both the bond and land lease approved, Emerson stated, Now we have work to do. The co-location of the career center with U-32 aligns with the state’s vision of creating regional high schools and marks a major advance in expanding access to CVCC’s programs.

Related reading

Read next