Sarah Dopp
Outside story
Tireless volunteer, land trust founder dies suddenly
For white-throated sparrows, opposites really do attract
Pages 2,10
Page 16
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South Burlington’s Community Newspaper Since 1977
the MARCH 21, 2024
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VOLUME 48, NO. 12
Sivo out as middle school principal
Paying it forward
Board stands by decision, elementary school principal on leave of absence LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER
The South Burlington School Board last Wednesday voted unanimously to not renew middle school principal Scott Sivo’s contract. The move has caused an uproar in some quarters of the community and left parents concerned over what they have called a “lack
of transparency.” “The decision, along with other recent unsettling events within our district, has been communicated with little to no explanation, leaving parents, students, and staff in a state of uncertainty and concern,” reads an online petition spearheaded See SIVO on page 12
$8 million grant closes gap for pedestrian bridge COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER
PHOTO BY ERIN SUTHERLAND
Mark Gabel drives bus for South Burlington schools and he often encourages kids to play outside after school with tasks like, “Let’s see who can build a snowman.” Tucker Sutherland took Gabel up on his challenge, creating this snow person. Not only does Gabel encourage kids to be creative, play outside and get fresh air, he is often seen at school board meetings advocating for students, bus drivers and taxpayers. “If you see Mark around, please thank him for his dedication to South Burlington,” says Erin Sutherland, who took this photo.
South Burlington was awarded a more than $8 million federal grant for the construction of a long-sought pedestrian bridge over I-89. The grant, which was announced by Vermont Sen. Peter Welch, closes a significant funding gap for the project and sets a 2026 timeline for its completion. The project will create a criti-
cal access way along Route 2 for pedestrians crossing I-89. The bridge will run from the Staples Plaza and Quarry Hill residential area to the University Mall property — helping move pedestrians between Burlington and South Burlington without having to cross off-ramps and on-ramps onto I-89. “It means that people will have a safe way to walk and bike See BRIDGE on page 12
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