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 detail, it can be found by going to suffieldct.gov, Agendas, Minutes, Recordings.
Board of Education
July 13, 2026
Board Chair Sattan reported that after a round of interviews, Olivia Nicora, Suffield High School Class of 2028, was selected as the new Board of Education Student Representative. She will join senior representative Lucy McCoy.
Business Manager Eric Remington reported that all 18 HVAC units have been installed at Suffield High School. Work to connect and integrate all of the units is ongoing. The Family Consumer Science Room at Suffield Middle School is being renovated to include a fifth workstation and some new appliances.
Mr. Remington discussed a major liability involving the Hartford Open Choice program. He said Hartford is requesting payback due to a change in state statute regarding Open Choice special education reimbursements over the past four years. Suffield is resisting deducting this from the Fiscal Year 2026 bill. The district will be exploring a response and will update the Board at a future meeting.
Assistant Superintendent Norbut presented an overview of Gifted and Talented. She explained that Connecticut General Statutes require school districts to identify students who demonstrate exceptional intellectual ability or outstanding academic talent. While the state mandates identification procedures, it does not require districts to provide a separate gifted education program. Instead, districts have flexibility in determining how to meet the educational needs of identified students. Suffield Public Schools addresses students’ advanced learning needs through differentiated classroom instruction.
Dr. Norbut further explained that, in a change over last year, the district has formalized a multi-measure identification process using the OLSAT, SBAC scores, universal screening assessments, and PSAT/SAT data, rather than relying solely on the third grade OLSAT. Following this process, the district successfully identified 24 gifted students as of June 2026. Communication is sent in the fall to families of students who are designated as gifted.
Superintendent Dunbar reported that the bridge connecting the Suffield High School Agriscience Center and Bruce Park has been closed for some time. The town is working with engineers to have the bridge evaluated. Estimated repair costs are at approximately $180,000-$200,000 for pedestrian use only and an additional $75,000-$80,000 to restore the bridge for agricultural vehicle access. The total project costs are expected to exceed $250,000. Agriscience grant funds cannot be used for these repairs.
Superintendent Dunbar indicated that the final written cost estimates are forthcoming. The project will require Town funding, prompting upcoming discussions with the PBC and Board of Selectmen.
Economic Development Commission
June 18, 2026
Chad Kuzontkoski, Economic Development Specialist, reported that he attended the CT Main Street Center annual conference representing Suffield. He mentioned that there were some funds that were still in the budget for the fiscal year and that the Commission decided to purchase some picnic tables for Sunrise Park.
Historic District Commission
August 3, 2026
Chairman Schwemmer provided an update on the Historic District Handbook grant application. The commission was informed that the State sent through the grant agreement which was signed and returned, so it is official and the Commission can move forward with the RFP rewrite for the handbook.
The Commission discussed a new one-stop shop website for everything to do with the HDC in one place, new language for the Building Department’s procedures and process in regard to the historic district, and a GIS map of Suffield.
Planning and Zoning Commission
July 20, 2026
By unanimous vote, the Commission set September 20, 2026, as the date for a public hearing on a text Amendment to the Zoning Regulations Section V.K. (Flood Damage Prevention). The amendment would update floodplain management standards in accordance with CTDEEP requirements and new FEMA flood maps effective November 13, 2026.
Mr. Hawkins distributed a draft zoning text amendment for the conversion of single-family dwellings to two-family dwellings, based on the Commission’s previous discussions. He noted that this amendment, along with the proposed revisions to the temporary sign regulations, will be brought before the Commission for discussion before scheduling of a public hearing. Mr. Hawkins also reported that he is working with Attorney Landolina to develop draft regulations in response to changes in state statutes regarding the summary review of middle housing applications. The draft regulations will be presented to the Commission for review and input.