Weekly Message from the Superintendent

Dear Families and Staff,

I want to take a moment to thank the members of the Board of Education (BOE), Board of Finance (BOF), and Board of Representatives (BOR) who listened to our Budget presentations during the last few weeks.  Too often people forget that our City of Stamford Board Members are volunteers and spend countless hours, especially during budget season, learning about and contemplating the BOE and City Budget requests.  

The Board of Finance will vote on the FY25 Budget during a special meeting this Tuesday, April 16 at 7:00 p.m. via zoom.   The BOF can approve the BOE’s proposed budget as submitted or make cuts.  The Board of Representatives will vote on the FY25 Budget during a special meeting on Thursday, May 2 at 8:00 p.m.  The BOR can approve the budget as submitted by the BOF or make additional cuts.  These votes will determine how much money, if any, the BOE will need to eliminate from the budget during reconciliation in May.

As we nervously await the votes by the Boards of Finance and Representatives, I want to thank everyone who has advocated in support of the BOE’s FY25 proposed budget, especially the members of the Stamford Education Association who spoke at the joint public hearing on Wednesday, April 3. We had a record number of Stamford residents voice their support for the BOE budget during public hearings this year.  On behalf of our students, teachers, and staff, thank you for your support! 

Café con la Super 

This month’s Café con la Super is Monday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Government Center.  We will be joined by Erika Haynes from The School + State Finance Project and Ariana Fernandez from United Parents and Students, who will discuss the Multilingual Learner Bill of Rights that goes into effect on July 1, 2024.  Please click here to register.  

Stamford Spring Musicals

The talented students from Stamford High’s Strawberry Hill Players and Westhill’s Northstar Playmakers are hard at work rehearsing for their upcoming spring musicals.  The Strawberry Hill Players will present Mamma Mia! while the Northstar Playmakers will present Chicago: Teen Edition.  All performances take place between April 26 and May 4.  For dates, times, and ticket information, please click here for Mamma Mia! and here for Chicago: Teen Edition.  

Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten registration for the 2024-2025 school year is in full swing.  Stamford children who turn five years old on or before September 1, 2024 are eligible to begin kindergarten in August.  Please encourage anyone with a kindergarten-eligible child to register as soon as possible, as this helps us manage enrollment and staffing for the upcoming year.  Click here for more information or email ofce@stamfordct.gov with questions.

Early Kindergarten Admission Assessments

Kindergarten age requirements have changed.  Beginning this year, children will need to be 5 years old on or before September 1 to be automatically eligible for kindergarten.  If your child has a birthday later in the year, you may apply for early kindergarten admission.  Please click here for more information and to schedule an appointment or email ofce@stamfordct.gov with questions.

National Volunteer Recognition Week

April 21-27 is National Volunteer Recognition Week.  Please join me in thanking all of our SPS volunteers.  We are truly grateful for the parents and families, community-based organizations, community members, and businesses that donate their time and resources to support our students and staff.  Please know that I speak for everyone in Stamford Public Schools when I say “Thank you”!

Enjoy Spring Break!

Spring break starts tomorrow.  I hope you take advantage of this well-deserved time with family and friends.  The weather is supposed to be nice so hopefully families will be able to get outside and visit the amazing parks in Stamford, as well as stop into one of the branches of the public libraries to check out a good book.  

Stay Safe and Healthy!

Dr. Tamu Lucero

Superintendent

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