Trumbull BOE Candidate Testani Lays Out Platform

Submitted by Suzanne Testani BOE candidate

Originally from Fairfield, CT, I graduated from Andrew Warde High School in 1980, and in 1983, obtained my A. S. Degree in Human Services with High Honors from Housatonic Community College. Currently I am a recognized Honors student at Fairfield University pursuing my B.A. in Psychology. In my professional life, I am a 30 year veteran employee of the Town of Greenwich and currently serve as the full time Program/ Fitness Coordinator at the Senior Center.

Based upon its reputation of having an excellent school system, my husband Jack and I chose to raise our family in Trumbull. Shortly after moving to town, our sons Alexander and William were born in 1989 and 1993. Upon completion of their elementary school educations, I was humbled to receive the prestigious “Tomasko Award” from the Daniels Farm School PTA for outstanding volunteer service. My community activities also include volunteering as a CCD Catechist/ Special Events Volunteer at St. Theresa Church, Junior Achievement “Classroom Consultant”, and annual “Trumbull Read Aloud”, “Sensitivity/ Democracy/ Invention Convention Day” participant, and THS Touchdown Club Field Sign/ Senior Night Coordinator. Proud products of the Trumbull Public School system, our oldest son Alexander is a Cum Laude graduate of Sacred Heart University and Greenwich Police Officer and William is currently completing his college degree in Social Work and is a freshman lacrosse coach at THS.

In 2004, I served as an appointed member of the Trumbull Board of Recreation for 3 years where I Co-Chaired the Finance Sub-Committee and participated in the planning and implementation of seasonal youth and adult programming. I also helped to launch the town’s Teen Center at Indian Ledge Park. I have also been a Board member of Trumbull’s “Business Education Initiative” (BEI) where I served on the Mini-Grant funding Committee. For the past 8 years, I have faithfully served on the Trumbull Town Council as a District 1 Representative and currently Chair the busy Legislation and Administration Committee. I also have the distinct honor to serve as the Council’s Vice Chairman.

I am excited to be a part of the Herbst Team and seeking election to the Trumbull Board of Education. Great accomplishments have been made by the Herbst Administration such as full day Kindergarten, the implementation of new state of the art classroom technology and enhanced school security, but there is still much to do. Efficiencies must be continually identified in order to reduce costs and invest in endeavors that produce students prepared for college and ready to take on the challenges of today. If elected, I plan to fully utilize my extensive community and municipal experience to advocate for Trumbull’s students and their families. My education platform includes:

• Realistic annual budget increases

• More energy efficient school buildings

• Universal Pre-K program
• Electronic curriculum systems

• The implementation of Elementary level foreign language offerings

I am a dedicated community servant who will continue to vote my convictions and be a clear voice of reason on the Board of Education. As always, I humbly ask for your vote on Tuesday November 3.