FIRST SELECTMAN OFFERS COMMENT ON APPROVAL OF BOE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION
Herbst: “Trumbull schools will open with low class size maintained and student programs intact”
August 2, 2011 - - First Selectman Timothy Herbst today offered the following statement concerning the Town Council’s approval last night of a $477,000 supplemental appropriation for the BOE:
“Over the last several months, as municipalities across Connecticut deal with the constraints of a severe national recession, and the tough federal, state and local budgets that come with these tough times, there has been trepidation in the community as to whether core student programs and low class size would be maintained. After last night’s Town Council vote, Trumbull schools will open with low class size maintained and student programs intact. Specifically, the academically gifted program, freshman sports, girls ice hockey and sophomore football will be maintained. 3 additional teaching positions will be added back at the high school level. In light of the Board of Education’s 2010-2011 surplus, the Town of Trumbull was able to redirect money already earmarked for education towards the restoration of these programs. Over the course of the last two years, as other school districts have been required to cut student programs, layoff teachers, increase class size and close schools, we have been able to avoid doing the same. While our budgets have been austere, we have increased funding for education over each of the last two years. As a result, we have come out ahead of other school districts. This is reflected not only in student standardized test scores, but is also reflected in the national recognition Trumbull has recently received, being cited by Family Circle Magazine as the 7th best Town in the nation to raise a family, earning a 9 out of 10 for educational excellence.”