Town News You May Not Know

Too busy to look up what’s going on in town? This article covers selected information from the minutes of various Town Boards and Commissions. If you want more details, it can be found by going to suffieldct.gov, Agendas, Minutes, Recordings.

Board of Education – August 11
Foreign Exchange Students for the 2025-2026 School Year
Superintendent Dunbar shared that the district would like to welcome three international students for the upcoming school year from Spain, South Africa and Germany. Each student has a host family in Suffield.

Facilities Update
Larry Plano, Director of Facilities, updated Board members on a number of ongoing projects including the installation of high school rooftop HVAC units which is expected to wrap up this fall, the replacement of flooring at the high school, the planned repair of sidewalks outside of A. Ward Spaulding Elementary School, improvements to portable units at Spaulding, bathroom renovations and exterior improvements at McAlister Intermediate School, and the replacement of baseball and softball scoreboards. Superintendent Dunbar thanked the Permanent Building Commission and the town for their support of these projects.

Draft of District Advancement Plan
Superintendent Dunbar and Dr. Norbut presented the draft District Advancement Plan for the 2025-2026 school year. Goals in the plan cover the following topics: elementary curriculum, expanding secondary Tier 1 learning strategies, leveraging artificial intelligence, expanding place-based learning, district-wide MTSS structures, fostering a district-wide culture of empathy and respect, and exploring secondary scheduling options. Board members expressed support for the plan.

Budget Process Review
Superintendent Dunbar, Eric Remington, and Board members reflected on the FY26 budget process and offered suggestions for the next budget cycle. Suggestions included enhancing communication with the full Board during the process, leveraging email for updates, utilizing outcome data to drive decisions, learning more about the FTE needs of the district, and enhancing collaboration with the Board of Finance liaison.

Police Commission – August 27
Equipment Update
• Both of the new Police Cruisers for this year have been completed and are on patrol.
• Ford has issued another recall for the 2020-2022 Explorers due to possible engine failure and risk of fire.
Administrative Updates
• Law Enforcement training required for all personnel is starting July 1.
• Recertification is now ongoing for all members that require recert by June 30, 2026.
• Drug Analysis Testing will be scheduled accordingly for all POSTC recerts for 2026.
• Officer Charette has successfully completed the FTO Program and has been granted certification by the POSTC. He is working on his final exam for national EMR Certification.
Commission Meeting Report / Police Budget & ACO Report
• For FY 25, the Police Department was over-budget in both salary and benefits, as well as expenses. There were increased investigation efforts, the costs of hiring and training new personnel. There was also a payout made pursuant to the new collective bargaining agreements.
• The FY 25 Animal Control budget was completed within budget.
• In July, some members of the Police Cadet Program took part in the Police Cadet Academy held at Westfield State University.
• On Tuesday, August 5, 2025 the National Night out event was held at Suffield High School. It was very successful.
• Officer Roman has now had K-9 Rico for approximately 2 months. Officer Roman continues to attend in-service training with Rico.

Helena Bailey Spencer Tree Committee – August 21
• 2026 planning is in the works with Barbara Yaeger regarding appropriate trees to be planted for Spring. A tree planted in memory of Barbara Dowd has died. Motion was made to spend $229 for a new tree and up to $300 for labor. Will coordinate with other fall tree plantings if possible.
• Member Danna Gauntner gave a detailed report on the launching of the Sustainable CT Matching Fund Drive. The subcommittee is working with Sustainable CT and Patronicity. There will be a small charge for their expertise. They will match up to $6000 1:1 if the goal is reached in 60 days. Also needed are sixty donors for the match to be in place.