Budget update
The Suffield Board of Education reviewed, updated and advanced Superintendent Matthew Dunbar’s budget at our March meetings. Along the way, the Board made several adjustments, including the reduction of three positions and refinements to health insurance and pension calculations.
The modest adjustment to the current year’s budget reflects the unavoidable economic realities shared by our entire community. The main drivers are the ones many families and taxpayers recognize: contractual salary increases, rising health benefit costs, required special education costs and transportation increases tied to our current contract.
Next steps: the Board has completed its updates and the budget now moves to the Board of Finance, with discussion and potential adjustments scheduled through early April. The public hearing on the Town’s full budget is April 22, and the tentative date for the Budget Town Meeting is May 6, when residents vote on the final budget.
Recognizing Student Achievement: Middle School Robotics
At a recent meeting, the Board recognized the Suffield Middle School Robotics Team for a strong showing at the 2026 VEX Robotics Competition at Sage Park Middle School in Windsor. Under the guidance of SMS Technology Education Teacher and Robotics Coach Kevin Mattia, Suffield brought five teams to compete.
Robotics competitions move fast, and they reward more than a well-built robot. Students have to plan, test, troubleshoot and then adjust on the fly when something does not work the way it did in practice. Just as important, they have to work as a team and present their work with confidence and professionalism.
With limited prep time, two Suffield teams advanced to the finals. They returned proud of what they accomplished, and already focused on what they want to improve next season, which is exactly the kind of momentum we love to see.
The arts are thriving in Suffield
The Board also recognized the music and drama departments for a standout season across the district:
• Our winter District Band Festival featured students from grades 4 through 12, including an “all-grades” performance that brought great energy to the high school gym.
• The high school production of The Play That Goes Wrong delivered exactly what the title promises, and then some.
• March featured two major productions: the middle school’s Finding Nemo, and the high school drama club’s Les Misérables, a powerful 2.5-hour production with live orchestra and performances that held the audience from the first note to the final bow.
Connect with us
Our meetings are open to the public, and community feedback is always welcome. We encourage families to stay connected and engaged.
Suffield Board of Education members include Maureen Sattan, Debra Dudack, Gianna Rossi, Melissa Finnigan, Brian Fry, James Mol, Dustin Rose, Greg Sparzo, and Sam Toskin.