By Paul Bean

The Central Vermont Career Center (CVCC) is seeking voter approval for a $149 million bond on November 4 to construct a new technical education center at 16 Baptist Street in Graniteville.

The new center would expand CVCC’s construction trades, electrical, plumbing, and heating programs, with potential additions like business, cybersecurity & IT, diesel mechanics, digital media arts, and human and natural resources programs.

 It would also introduce career pathways for ninth and tenth graders in design, construction, manufacturing, and health and natural sciences, offering early safety training and industry credentials. The CVCC website has a virtual tour of the proposed site you can view here.

If approved, the facility would open in 2029 to make way for growing student interest in trade careers and address regional workforce needs in high-demand fields. The facility would provide full-day programming to 500 students in the Central Vermont area. 

“By 2028 CVCC will have a state of the art facility that serves all eligible students in our region, staffed and resourced appropriately,” says the CVCC’s website. “We will realize an increased enrollment versus applicant percentage as well as altered and added programming from previous years.”

The Times Argus reports Wednesday this proposal received both support and public pushback at a forum in Barre:

“‘If not now, when?’ Isabelle asked, expressing his unwavering support for a project that would give more students access to the programs the career center provides. 

The collective answer of those critical of the proposal — not the career center, or the programs it provides — could be summed up in two words: ‘not now.’ 

That was the view of Barre Town resident Sue Paxman, who peppered the board with questions about the project; and Barre resident Amy Galford, who was among those who questioned its timing. It was shared by others, including Montpelier residents James Castellano and Dvora Jonas. 

Paxman, offered what became a familiar prebuttal, among those skeptical of the proposal voters are being asked to approve. ‘I, and everyone I know, supports education in the trades and in tech, she said. ‘That’s a given, all right. Everyone knows how much we need students coming out of school with good trade skills, and good tech skills … (but) $149 million? That’s another question.’”

The bond would increase property taxes across CVCC’s 18 member towns by an average of $291.78 annually, based on a $300,000 home value over 30 years. Tax increases vary by town: Cabot would see the lowest at $99 per year, while East Montpelier would face the highest at $420. Montpelier, Barre City, and Berlin would see increases of $365, $373, and $384, respectively. 

Montpelier’s community newspaper, The Bridge, spoke with Jody Emmerson, the Director and Superintendent of CVCC who said, “The district’s ‘best estimates’ state that the average annual repayment will come to $9.4 million, and that cost will be allocated proportionally among district towns. The document notes that the estimates assume ‘enrollment stability, consistent revenues, preliminary interest rates, and amortization structures,’ among others, and that uncertainty remains around these items. Income sensitivity was not factored into the district’s projections.’”

The new facility would increase enrollment capacity, offer full-day programming, provide advanced career credentials, and strengthen partnerships with regional middle schools. Voters will decide on November 4 whether to support CVCC’s plan to prepare more students for trade careers. For more information, visit the CVCC website.