_-<&P BURLINGTON socteramese Ski SCHOOL DISTRICT 150 Coches Aveme Buringion, VT 05401 965.5532 May 3, 2018 Mayor Miro Weinberger Office of Mayor City Hall Burlington, VT 05401 Kurt Wright, President Burlington Gity Council 31 Vine Street Burlington, VT 05408 Dear Mayor Weinberger and President Wright: |Lwrite on behalf of the Burlington School Board with respect to the question of School Superintendent Yaw Obeng's residency. The School Board requests a further extension Of the authorization to reside outside the limits of the City of Burlington but in an adjacent community. Superintendent Obeng has renewed a three-year contract with the Burlington School District commencing July 1, 2018. ‘There are several reasons for this request. First, the Board believes that the primary reason for the charter provision is to make sure that a city oficer has a sufficient connection to the community to be able to be fully aware of its needs and also to be rapidly responsive. We believe that Superintendent Obeng meets both criteria. He ‘works long days in the city and is also regularly present at Burlington schools for ‘evening meetings. Additionally, he is connected at all times via phone, email, text and social media, ‘Secondly, his family has established a connection with South Burlington which is ‘separate and distinct from his with Burlington, and they would very much lke to retain this. As we are sure you can appreciate, it allows them to enjoy their own separate identities and not simply be identified through Superintendent Obeng's professional activities. Additionally, in this regard, Superintendent Obeng has purchased a residence in South Burlington, and it would represent a significant personal hardship for him and his family to have to sell this residence and move into Burlington at this time. ‘Third, as indicated to the Council when it last considered this matter, Superintendent ‘Obeng remains in pursuit of citizenship and voting status here in the U.S. which will allow permanent residential status here. Cultivating caring, creative, and courageous people. Join the journey!DISTRICT OFFICES " BURLINGTON ‘Yaw Oberg, Sapeinenn 3) SCHOOL DISTRICT 150 okheer Avene Burnin, VT0S#01 ii sur-6ss332 suesintndnt@bsvorg We are hopeful this communication is sufficient but would be happy to provide any other information that would be helpful to consideration of this request. Thanks very much Respectiuly, Clare Woo! Chairwoman Burlington Schoo! District Cultivating caring, creative, and courageous people. Join the journey!