Dr. Semmel's September Newsletter
September 2025
As morning temperatures are growing cooler and the leaves are beginning to change, we are reminded that the fall season is upon us. This is a wonderful time of year as students are settling in to their classes, and teachers are enthusiastically presenting new material to engage and inspire their students.
This is also the time of year that we are busy preparing our budget kick-off for the 2026/2027 school year. We will kick-off the budget process with our school leaders in early October. The budget development and approval process is lengthy. The BOE will review and adopt a budget in February. The Board of Finance will review all budgets and make a recommendation to the Town Council in March. The Town Council will complete the budget process in April. Once the BOE receives its final budget amount in April, they will make the needed cuts to provide for a balanced budget.
Many families have already shared their beliefs that we should keep elementary classroom sizes below BOE guidelines. We have also heard about reducing any overcrowding on our school buses. Furthermore, we have heard over the years that we should do our best to eliminate the strings/band fee that we currently assess at the elementary level. The budget I propose to the BOE will include all of these priorities.
It is important to note that there are a number of major headwinds that face our budgeting process. The increases in utility costs that we see in our homes impact the schools in a significant way. Increases in the cost of health insurance has also affected our bottom line over the past several years. Inflation in general has raised the cost of many of the goods and services that we use on an annual basis and we do not see any significant relief in sight. Other major factors in our budget are for contractual items like wages and transportation costs. While we have taken multiple steps to find additional efficiencies and savings, collectively, these headwinds have made budgeting a significant challenge.
As Superintendent of Schools, I will put forth a responsible budget that attempts to balance the needs of our students while recognizing and appreciating the tax impact on Trumbull's citizens.
Ms. Dawn Perkins, former TPS Transportation Manager, is presently serving as the Interim Transportation Manager for the Transportation Department. Ms. Perkins, along with the entire department, is working to provide major improvements in bus routes, as well as significantly reducing the number of open “Action Reports” for bus issues. Your patience is appreciated.
Updated bus routes can be viewed here. Information regarding the mobile app, BusZone, which can be used to check the location of your student's bus, can be found here.
We hope that your children have enjoyed their first month of the 2025-2026 school year. Trumbull Public schools regularly updates our Board of Education Policies to remain compliant with state and federal laws and meet the ever-changing needs of our school community Annually, the district providing links via email notifications about important policies that impact our students, faculty, staff, and families as they arise. All policies are also listed on our website for regular reference.
Annual Notification of Key BOE Policies
- Policy Code 1316 Civility and Respectful Conduct
- Policy Code 3524.3, Asbestos Management Plans
- Policy Code 1112.5, Media Access to Students
- Policy Code 3524.1, Integrated Pest Management
- Policy Code 3542.43, Food Charging
- Policy Code 5125, Confidentiality and Maintenance of Student Records
- Policy Code 5132 Dress Code
- Policy Code 3524.2, Green Cleaning
- Policy Code 4218.112, Prohibition Against Sexual Harassment of Students and Personnel
- Policy Code 5131.81, Use of Private Technology Devices by Students
- Policy Code 5131.911, Connecticut School Climate Plan
- Policy Code 5141.231, Prohibition on Recommendations for Psychotropic Drug Use
- Policy Code 5141.4, Reporting of Child Abuse, Neglect, and Sexual Assault
- Policy Code 5144.12, Challenging Behavior: Restorative Practices Response
- Policy Code 6121, Non-Discrimination in Instruction/Classroom
If you have questions about these policies or resources, please contact your child's building principal or the Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Susan C. Iwanicki, at 203-452-4340. For additional reference, all policies are maintained up-to-date on this District website.
There are many ways in which our schools partner with families to ensure that we know how students are progressing in their skills and abilities. Throughout the year, educators develop relationships and provide teaching and learning designed to meet children's needs and challenge them as they learn and grow. Please click here to access more information about accessing your child's recent state testing results, accessing your child's e-backpack, and viewing a calendar with key dates to collaborate with your child's teachers throughout the year.