Principals outline school priorities; board hears March financial update and assistant superintendent search timeline

Principals at Suffield High School and Suffield Middle School framed year-end reviews focused on improving instruction, student supports and school culture.

High School Principal Anthony Hibbert said building trust among staff and families is central to his five priorities for next year, which emphasize instruction, assessment and school culture. “Trust is cultivated through consistent engagement, open communication, and demonstrating accountability in decision-making and action,” Hibbert told the board as he requested support for professional development to address chronic absenteeism and instructional needs.

Middle School Principal Ken Smith credited Tier 1 instruction and restructured MTSS meetings with recent academic achievements, and said the RULER social-emotional learning program will be integrated next year. Smith noted ongoing concerns about campus planning and said he looks forward to decisions on the school building project.

Administratively, Superintendent Matthew Dunbar reported that the assistant superintendent search is open and will close May 14; an interview committee will review applicants and finalists will be forwarded for Board approval. Business Manager Eric Remington presented the March financial report, saying an anticipated excess cost reimbursement was slightly overestimated and came in at $64,000, that special services transportation costs have deteriorated, and that current projections show an approximate $30,000 year-end surplus. Board members discussed options for year-end fund placement and next steps for facilities planning and staffing priorities.