First Selectman Herbst Appoints Task Force to Study System Efficiencies Between Town and Board of Education
January 3, 2012
Herbst: "In these difficult economic times, we must do everything we possibly can to find efficiencies while maintaining strong services."
First Selectman Timothy Herbst on Monday announced a four person, bipartisan task force that will study system issues and efficiencies with the Town and the Board of Education. The First Selectman said he hopes to have a report from this special commission within the next 100 days about areas of the budget where the Town and the Board of Education could explore a joinder of services in certain non-education related areas of the budget which would not have an adverse impact on either the school system or the taxpayers. "In these difficult economic times, we must do everything we possibly can to find efficiencies while maintaining strong services," stated Herbst. "We must place a core focus on those areas of the Town and Board of Education budget that are non-education related and find efficiencies that will allow us to maintain one of the best school system's in the region, without adversely impacting Trumbull taxpayers." The First Selectman indicated that the four people serving on this task force are eminently qualified and bring a breadth of experience to the table. "You have people serving on this task force who come from education backgrounds, private sector backgrounds and municipal backgrounds," stated the First Selectman. "Each member brings a unique perspective and I believe their work over the next 100 days will be productive in helping to move our Town forward."
The four members of the commission include: Former First Selectman Paul Timpanelli, current President of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council; Michael Niedermeier, former member of the Trumbull Board of Finance and Trumbull Police Commission, currently an accountant in private practice; Daniel Shamas, former Assistant Superintendent for the Bridgeport Public School System and past Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Bridgeport; Juan Lopez, former Assistant Superintendent for the Bridgeport Public School System. All four members are Trumbull residents. "I look forward to working with this commission and I hope that any suggestions or recommendations put forward will ultimately results in mutually beneficial, cost saving and workable efficiencies between the Town and the Board of Education," stated Shamas. Juan Lopez, who worked with Shamas in the Bridgeport School System, also expressed enthusiasm at the opportunity to assist the Town of Trumbull. "I look forward to serving the Town of Trumbull. I know the educational system is one of the best in Fairfield County and I know there is always room for improvement."
Board of Education Chairman Stephen Wright also expressed optimism about the committee's work over the next 100 days. "I am very pleased that the committee to explore the joint efficiencies between the Town and the Board of Education is established. I am also very impressed with the quality and experience of the four individuals named. They are well respected members of our community and have the total support of the Board, Superintendent and his staff."