Dear BPS Community:

Please see my weekly update below. My weekly updates are now archived on the BPS website: www.bristol.k12.ct.us. 

In partnership,

Iris White
Acting Superintendent of Schools

Budget Update:  My initial Superintendent's Budget Proposal called for a 12.58% increase for the FY 25-26 budget, or $16.5 million.  The Board of Education approved $6 million in cuts, which amounts to 7.89% or $10,304,977.  This was the proposal presented to the Board of Finance on March 19th.  Last week, Mayor Caggiano attended the Board of Education Meeting seeking more cuts to the Board of Education budget, totaling a further reduction of $3.6 million, which would bring the proposal to 5% or $6.6 million.  The next step is for the BOF and City Council to approve our submitted budget. 

In the coming weeks, I will provide further budget updates and information on the City of Bristol Board of Finance and Council Meetings.  We appreciate all staff and families who have attended budget meetings in person or virtually.  Continued participation will be vital to support our advocacy for funding for our schools:

Special Board of Finance Meeting, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 6:15 pm in City Hall Council Chambers, 111 North Main St., immediately followed by the Joint Meeting of the City Council and the Board of Finance at 6:45 pm.  Please see the agenda, which includes login information, below.  Appropriations for Bristol Eastern and Bristol Central HS Roof Restorations are listed on both agendas.

If you haven't already, I would encourage staff, families, and community members to read the CLA Audit Report and presentation at the March 5th Board of Education meeting.  Both are attached and can be found on the BPS home page below the Latest News:  bristol.k12.ct.us.  

Wand Policy:  In my first Superintendent's Weekly update on February 4, 2025, I communicated the district's intentions to make our schools safer by implementing handheld metal and electronic detecting wands at the middle and high school levels. After careful discussion and with guidance from our Board attorneys, during last Wednesday's meeting, the Board of Education voted to approve the attached Search and Seizure Policy and the Wand Policy.  Mr. Steve Cabelus, our District Director of School Safety and Security, has developed guidelines for administrators in utilizing these wands and is also providing the requisite training.  

National Assistant Principals Week: In 2025, National Assistant Principals Week is celebrated from April 7th to 11th, recognizing assistant principals' vital role in supporting schools and students. Thank you to our assistant principals for supporting building leaders, staff, students, and families and helping keep our schools safe.
Scholarship Opportunities: The Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council is thrilled to offer two $1000 scholarships once again this year—one for a Prospective Teacher of Color and one for an Early Educator of Color. 
Please consider nominating candidates for this recognition. 

• Candidates can access the Prospective Teacher of Color Scholarship application here.
• Candidates can access the Early Career Teacher of Color Scholarship application here.