Letter to the Editor: A School That Opens Doors for All Students
Resident Hillary Kleck shares her views on the importance of having a school "designed for every kind of learner"
To the Editor:
Education has been a cornerstone of my life — passed down from my parents and now shared with my own children.
Over 20 years ago, my daughter was born blind. Through her, I’ve seen how thoughtful design and accessibility can open doors — and how easily the lack of it can keep them closed. Those experiences have shaped how I see the world and remind me every day that inclusion isn’t a feature — it’s a foundation.
That’s why the Burlington High School Building Project matters. It’s not just about construction or modernization; it’s about creating a high school that welcomes and supports every learner.
My son will enter Burlington High in about five years, and I want him — and every student — to walk into a school that reflects the world they’re preparing to lead: one that’s safe, forward-thinking, and designed for every kind of learner. Our students deserve spaces and technology that prepare them for the future, not the past.
I understand that some residents worry about cost. But waiting will only cost us more — not just in dollars, but in lost opportunity. Every year we delay, our students miss out on experiences that shape who they can become.
I didn’t grow up in Burlington, but I know the kind of community I want to live in — one that values education, compassion, and progress. This project represents that spirit. It’s an investment in our children, in our shared values, and in the future of Burlington.
The time to invest is now — not when it costs more, but when it matters most.
Hillary Welch Kleck
37 Westwood St.
