Breaking Ground at Burlington High School

On March 15 around one hundred community members came together to celebrate both the past and future of Burlington High School.

The event was an opportunity to “say goodbye” to the existing 60-year-old school, which is undergoing the first phase of deconstruction. But it was also an opportunity to celebrate what’s to come: a brand-new, state-of-the-art high school and technical center that will serve Burlington students for the next 60 years.

“I want to thank the citizens of Burlington for getting us here today,” said BSD Superintendent Tom Flanagan, in reference to voters’ approval of a $165 million bond in November. “As we move forward from conceptual plans to reality, I am so happy to have the support of all of you to build a school that will support equity, inclusion and deep learning for all.”

The new, 250,000 square-foot school will sit on the same site as the old BHS on Institute Road. Crews have already started working to empty the old school and prepare for the removal of hazardous materials by deconstruction experts Envirovantage. Full-scale demolition will begin later this spring, followed by construction led by Whiting-Turner this summer.

“Today feels like a large miracle. This is the day Burlingtonians have dreamed of for decades. It is the day we begin to construct a high school that is worthy of the great kids of this city,” said Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger.

Design of the new school is a collaborative effort by the architectural team of Freeman French Freeman, Colin Lindbergh & Associates, and DRA Architects. Regular updates on the project can be found on the Burlington School District website.