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Board hears enrollment shortfall for kindergarten, reviews finances and facilities updates
Summary
Superintendent Matt Dunbar reported 118 registered kindergarten students to date with a projected start of about 140 and eight sections; Business Manager Eric Remington reported a projected year‑end surplus of roughly $93,267 and discussed food service balances and upcoming facility work.
Superintendent Matt Dunbar told the board that 118 kindergarten students were registered to date for 2025–26, with two outstanding waiver requests, nine pending registrations, and six Open Choice slots being held; the district had projected 153 but Dunbar said he anticipates about 140 students and plans for eight classroom sections at the start of the school year.
Board members discussed staffing implications with Dunbar, including how Open Choice seats will be used and whether additional sections will be required. Dunbar also said there is a 0.2 FTE staffing shortage in the World Language department tied to Spanish course coverage and schedules are being reviewed to address the shortfall.
Business Manager Eric Remington presented the April financial report and said the projected year‑end net surplus is approximately $93,267. He reported that the state food service administrative review found no findings of financial consequence; the procurement review remains open. Remington noted negative student lunch balances and reviewed food service year‑to‑date income, and he said the district will post the Suffield Middle School Library Media Specialist position (posting does not obligate a hire). He also reported that the majority of rooftop HVAC units for Suffield High School are expected to arrive and be installed over the summer, modular updates at Spaulding and a boiler replacement at McAlister are scheduled for summer work, and contingency planning is in place for potential delivery delays.
Chair Maureen Sattan told the board that updated financials and educational benefit analyses for the middle school building project will be prepared this summer and that a referendum is anticipated in the fall; she said a second meeting was set to discuss Board goals. Board members flagged the CABE membership line item for further review following additional FY24‑25 budget updates.
