Trumbull Public Schools' Education

We are at a critical point in planning for the 2026–2027 school year. Over the past four years, our budget increases have not kept pace with inflation, and Trumbull now ranks in the bottom third of comparable districts for funding increases. Additionally, we are faced with a 15% increase in insurance costs which will impact our total budget significantly. If funding falls short this year, significant reductions will be unavoidable and will impact staffing and programs.

At the Board of Education meeting last evening, February 10th, I shared the following presentation, and the Board ultimately adopted a final budget with my full requested amount. However, there are several other steps before we can ensure funding is in place for our students and school system. We need our families to be aware before it is too late to take action. Click below to access the slides.

The First Selectman has a very important role in determining the overall budget for the Town and the BOE. Her budget is due to the Board of Finance on March 2. I would encourage you to make your voice heard now. You can email her at firstselectman@trumbull-ct.gov. You can call her at 203-452-5005.

We sometimes hear that based on attendance at town meetings, the education budget is not a priority in Trumbull. The district urges parents, staff, and community members to join us at the Board of Finance meeting on March 3, at 7:00 p.m., in the Town Hall Meeting Room. Your presence sends a clear message that education is a priority in Trumbull.

The Board of Finance also reviews town spending and can influence the investment in education according to the Trumbull taxpayers. Per the Town Charter, the Board of Finance has the power to add appropriations not contained in the proposed First Selectman's budget. The members of the Board of Finance are:

• Lainie McHugh, Chairman (D)
• Massimo Mallozzi (D)
• Paul Timpanelli (D)
• David Galla (D)
• David Pia (R)
• Michael Colohan (R)

You can reach all members of the Board of Finance by emailing mpires@trumbull-ct.gov and sharing your thoughts about the upcoming budget.

The BOF holds two public hearings on the budget, one on a weeknight and another on a Saturday morning. The budget is published in the local newspaper. The tentative dates for these hearings are: Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

YES! A tremendous amount of Trumbull taxpayer dollars go to the Capitol.

You should reach out to your State Representatives (see below) and ask that they properly fund the Education Cost Sharing (ECS) Grant, the Excess Cost Reimbursement (ECR) Grant, and that they stop creating unfunded mandates. If the State increased the ECS and ECR grant, it would shift some of the tax burden from local taxpayers back to the State of CT.

Governor Ned Lamont, 1-800-406-1527, 860-566-4840, Governor.Lamont@po.state.ct.us

Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, 860-524-7384, ltgovernor.Bysiewicz@ct.gov

State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox (22nd district), 860-240-0425, Sujata.gadkar-wilcox@cga.ct.gov, gadkarwilcox@senatedems.ct.gov

State Representative David Rutigliano (123rd district), 860-240-8700, David.Rutigliano@housegop.ct.gov

State Representative Sarah Keitt (134th district), 860-240-8585, Sarah.Keitt@cga.ct.gov

State Representative Ben McGorty (122nd district), 860-240-8757, Ben.McGorty@housegop.ct.gov

State Representative Tony Scott (112th district), 800-842-1423, 860-240-8700, Tony.Scott@housegop.ct.gov