Dear BPS Community,
Last Tuesday night, the Board of Finance voted to adopt a $257.9 million budget and indicated it will continue revising it as anticipated state aid is finalized. This budget currently allocates a $11,764,070 increase for the Board of Education. The Board of Finance will meet again on May 12 during its regular joint meeting with the City Council, and a final vote is scheduled for Monday, May 18, at a special joint budget meeting of the City Council and Board of Finance.
Last night, the Connecticut General Assembly passed a revised state budget for fiscal year 2027 that includes one of the largest single-year increases in education funding in Connecticut history. The budget invests approximately $190 million more in public schools statewide, including an additional $162.2 million in Education Cost Sharing (ECS) funding. For the first time in 13 years, the ECS foundation amount will increase from $11,525 to $13,087 per student.

Earlier today, Governor Lamont released a town-by-town breakdown of this funding. According to that report, Bristol is projected to receive:

• Supplemental Education Aid: $4,528,816
• Supplemental Town Aid: $991,338
• Total: $5,520,154

I would like to thank Representatives Mary Fortier and Joe Hoxha, as well as Senator Henri Martin, for their support of this legislation. I also appreciate Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu’s continued advocacy for increased ECS funding for Bristol. As she shared publicly, the additional ECS funding is expected to help reduce the mill rate, and discussions are ongoing between the Mayor’s Office and the Board of Education to identify savings and avoid teacher layoffs.

There has been significant discussion regarding the possible elimination of middle school sports as one potential area for savings. I understand and respect the concerns we are hearing from parents and students. This advocacy reflects how meaningful these opportunities are for our students’ growth, connection, and overall well-being. At this time, the potential elimination of middle school sports is only one of several options included on a list of possible budget reductions shared with the Board of Education, based on the funding level approved by the Board of Finance. No final decisions have been made.

The Board of Education will continue its budget discussions and plans to schedule an additional workshop. We remain committed to making thoughtful, student-centered decisions and will carefully consider all feedback before making any final determinations. Thank you for your continued engagement and support.

This week, we proudly celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week and School Nurses Day, an opportunity to recognize the extraordinary individuals who care for, support, and inspire our students every day.
To our teachers: thank you for your unwavering commitment, creativity, and passion. You play a vital role in shaping not only academic success, but also the confidence and character of our students.
To our school nurses: thank you for the compassion and professionalism you bring to your work. You are essential to the health, safety, and well-being of our school communities.

We are grateful for all that you do to make our schools welcoming, supportive, and inspiring places for every student. Please join me in celebrating and thanking these dedicated professionals this week. A special thank you to our school PTAs/PTOs/Booster Clubs for the time, energy, and resources you have dedicated to recognizing our staff this week and throughout the year.  Your efforts are truly appreciated.








In partnership,
Iris White
Superintendent of Schools

Last Day of School:
At the most recent Board of Education meeting, it was determined that the school year for students will conclude on the 180th day, in accordance with Connecticut state law.
The last day of school for the 2025–2026 school year for students will be Thursday, June 25, 2026, with the following exceptions:

• Edgewood PreK Academy: Friday, June 12, 2026
• Bristol Preparatory Academy (BPA): Friday, June 25, 2026

Due to a previously missed instructional day earlier this year caused by a water main break, BPA students are required to make up that day.

School Bus Cameras:
At a Special Meeting on March 18th, the Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the Bus Patrol Proposal to install cameras on school buses and move it forward to the City Council.  The City has scheduled a public hearing on the proposal for this Tuesday, May 5th, at 4:45 p.m. at City Hall.

Nutmeg Reading Bowl:

                                                                         Champion Greene-Hills Gators!!



                                                                        With the Stafford Team







Chess Tournament:







Kindergarten Orientation:
We’re excited to welcome our newest learners and their families to our upcoming Kindergarten Orientation on Thursday, May 28th!
This special event is a wonderful opportunity for incoming kindergarten students to meet their teachers, explore their school, and begin building connections for a successful start to their educational journey. Families will also receive important information about the school year, daily routines, and how to support their child’s transition to kindergarten.
We look forward to partnering with you and making this first step in your child’s education a positive and memorable experience.  Please see the attached flyer for more information.

Thank you, Bristol Central and Bristol Eastern:
I would like to thank the administrative teams at Bristol Central High School and Bristol Eastern High School for providing me with their school “merch” to wear with Ram and Lancer pride!
I recently had the privilege of visiting Mrs. Micari’s Marketing 2 class at Bristol Eastern to personally thank students for hand-selecting my items as part of a class project. During a thoughtful Q&A session, I learned that the class reads my weekly updates and even created mock press releases highlighting the many great things happening across our schools!
While there, I also enjoyed a tour of the school store and learned more about the impressive growth of the DECA program under Mrs. Micari’s leadership. Student membership in DECA has increased significantly, an exciting reflection of student engagement and interest. DECA is a national nonprofit organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.  Please see photos from my visit, below.

Reminder – BPS Art Gala:
I hope you can attend the upcoming Bristol Public Schools Art Gala. This event celebrates student creativity and the dedication of our talented educators. We look forward to bringing our community together to enjoy the outstanding work on display.

• Monday, May 4, 2026 | 5:00–7:00 p.m. – BCHS, CHMS, GHS, SSS, STA, WBS
• Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 5:00–7:00 p.m. – BEHS, BAIMS, HUB, IVY, MTV, NEMS