By Sarah Opdahl

At their Thursday, December 21 meeting, New Fairfield’s Board of Education (BOE) learned of the New Fairfield High School (“NFHS”) Scheduling Committee’s recommendation to alter the bell schedules for the next academic year. Moving from the block schedule that was in place for more than a dozen years, the Committee proposes moving to a hybrid schedule in which shorter, more frequent classes will be held. Though a trial schedule t held in fall did not win the vote of students, many faculty members see great benefits in the switch.

NFHS Principal Mr. James D’Amico says, “the idea of frequency is really valued by the teachers. They feel like it could be a help to their curriculum to make sure that missing class time, that consistency, that being able to pick up where you left off with more frequency, is really important to learning.” He explained, after researching the topic and past patterns closely, the current block schedule results in less class time than the new schedule will include. Though they tried a few increments, sixty minutes was the “sweet spot” for an ideal period, D’Amico said, with some longer classes—there would be two different schedules over a six day period. Specialized programs, such as the Child Development preschool will continue to be discussed. They are considering another trial schedule in the winter. However, the trials are very disruptive, so it may be scrapped. More information will be presented to the BOE in March.

In a buildings update, Director of Business and Operations Ms. Carrie DePuy explained, propane continues to be an issue at the high school. She noted that a large amount of work was occurring over the holiday break, when the school was empty. She also noted that the district is investigating adding solar arrays to the roofs of the high school and the elementary addition.

In his Chairman’s Report, Mr. Dominic Cipollone reflected on the school community’s positive aspects, praising students, staff, and parents alike. He read a letter from the Town’s Board of Finance that called for frugality in budget planning and requested a target of a 2% or less increase over last year’s budget. The BOF also asked that a 10-year capital plan be spread evenly over the decade, rather than having expenditures wildly fluctuate. Several BOE members balked at the notion that a percentage be the target, given that they hadn’t identified the needs of the district yet.

Cipollone went on to comment on the recent Board of Selectmen decision to withdraw from the bus lot lawsuit, saying “we need a permanent location for our buses.” The current lot near the football field is not ideal for the school community, Cipollone pointed out, given the heavy use of adjacent fields. The location has also cut the student parking in half. He walked through previously investigated locations, such as the Town Drop-Off Center, other spots on the High/Middle School campus, and a Dunham Drive property, explaining why they weren’t chosen. Cipollone spoke of the former Consolidated School location’s benefits and called for a tri-Board meeting for Town leaders to discuss next steps in January. In board member comments, there were several thoughts expressed regarding the lot, both in favor of  and opposed to the former Consolidated location.

On behalf of the Business Operations/Business Resources Subcommittee, Mr. Greg Flanagan reported that the budget is fairly close to on track, though a deficit is building in special education due to independent contractual services in recent months to fill the gap that was created with open behavior analyst positions. He also reviewed a five-year capital plan that was recently updated by DePuy. He mentioned that grant funding is expected to go down for the next school year, as poverty rates have decreased in Town.

In his Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Kenneth Craw gave effusive praise to the arts community in the district. He described attending packed houses and watching talented students perform in theater, band, and chorus.

The next regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 4, 7:00 p.m.