Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I enter the school buildings?
Where can I park?
How is my tax money being used?
Why are there so many fundraisers? Isn't my tax money enough?
How do I check my child's Abbey account balance?
What's NECAP?
Is Swanton Elementary two schools or one?
Why can't I enter the school buildings?
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The safety of your children is our number one concern. With this in mind we have installed a new security system to closely monitor who is entering our building and therefore would have access to your children. It is simple enough to buzz by pushing the white button. The receptionists have color monitors and can see you. They will ask you to tell your name and why you are here. All visitors should stop by the office first once they come into the building.
Where can I park?
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There are parking spaces for the public in the outer lot at Fourth Street and in the lot at Grand Avenue. 
There are four spots reserved for visitors in the very front of the Central building on 4th street. These are intended for short term visits to the school.
There is another lot off the bus loop on Bushey Street. If you use this lot, you cannot enter or leave between 7:25 a.m. - 8:10 a.m. or 2:35 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. The bus loop lot and the bus loop itself can be used for preschool and kindergarten pick up and drop off times during the morning (after 8:10 a.m.) We do not have enough parking for pick up and drop off time. Please use caution and patience during these times.
How is my tax money being used?
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We work hard to build a budget that provides a quality education to Swanton children while respecting the economic climate and the needs of taxpayers in our community. The majority of our budget is spent on the students - for their teachers, supplies, equipment, etc. The table below shows the percentage of tax money spent on individual programs:
| Instructional Programs | 49.03% | |
| Special Education | 15.13% | |
| Early Childhood Assessment | 3.13% | |
| Guidance Services | 2.46% | |
| Health Services | 1.43% | |
| Speech Services | 1.76% | |
| Staff Training | 0.67% | |
| Library Services | 2.11% | |
| Technology Services | 1.69% | |
| Board of Education | 0.44% | |
| Superintendent's Office | 3.11% | |
| Principal's Office | 4.31% | |
| Fiscal Services | 0.78% | |
| Plant Operation | 7.48% | |
| Transportation | 2.97% | |
| Debt Services | 3.5% |
Why are there so many fundraisers? Isn't my tax money enough?
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Our Swanton PTO raises funds to support all field study and some other special and cultural events, in addition to the playground upgrades. We could include this money in the regular budget if parents and taxpayers ask us to do so. The amount raised and spent annually is about $12,000. If parents feel the Board should include this money in the regular budget, they should contact a school board member or the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jack McCarthy. This would eliminate the need for fundraising and allow the PTO to concentrate on other program ideas.
How do I check my child's Abbey account balance?
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Right now you need to call the Abbey. You can call during the school day at 868-3376 or anytime at 933-4747.
What's NECAP?
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This is an annual test that all third through eighth grades student must take. It is required under the Federal Law that funds parts of our school programs. States could develop their own test or choose one from a publisher. Vermont joined with some other states in the region to develop a test that matches our state standards. It stands for New England Common Assessment Program. The scores are used to decide which schools are successful in meeting the needs of all learners, at least as they are measured by this test.
Is Swanton Elementary two schools or one?
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We are one school! The original building, now known as the Mary S. Babcock building, was built in 1964. At that time, the 9 classrooms and gym accommodated all the children in Swanton! In 1975, Milton and Jessie Tabor donated some money to help build the "Tabor Wing," where we now have first and second grade classrooms, the library, and two kindergarten classrooms in the Babcock building. Over the years, as the town grew, we found classroom space in other places. Fifth and Sixth grade was housed in the old High School, now a health center and senior apartments. People called that "The Central School." When the kindergarten program started in 1985, we were housed in the Armory on Ferris Street. We walked past a tank to get to the bathrooms! As the kindergarten program grew, we added a classroom at the church on First St. Finally, in 1991, after three tries, the community supported the construction of the Central Building. The original architect plan had the two buildings connected, but as each bond vote failed, things were cut from the original plan. Now we have the two buildings, but we are one school.
