Board also reviews student achievement results and school facilities improvements

By Cherry Dumaual

NEW FAIRFIELD — A water-main break at New Fairfield High School, student academic performance, facilities improvements, and a new program offering seniors and veterans free admission to school events were among the key topics discussed at the October 15 Board of Education (BOE) regular meeting.

Board Chair Dominic Cipollone expressed dismay over the water-main break in the relatively new high school building, which opened in 2023, and raised questions about construction quality and project oversight. The incident occurred on October 15, prompting an early dismissal.

Cipollone called for a closer review of the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the work performed by contractors and subcontractors. He emphasized, “The Board of Ed did not select the subcontractors to do the work on this project.”

He continued, “It’s unfortunate that this is where we are, but this needs to be investigated, and people need to be held to account. This is poor workmanship that wasn’t supervised… I’m hoping we get to the bottom of this.”

The board discussed inviting the Permanent Building Committee to a future meeting to provide information about contractor selection and oversight. The cause of the pipe failure had not been established at the meeting.

Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Craw praised high school staff for their quick response to the emergency, including moving students to safe locations and helping contain the flooding.

“I could not be prouder to sit here tonight and say, in an emergency situation, all of our staff at the high school, pitched in to very quickly respond and ensure that students are safe, and our students are safe,” Craw said.

The damaged pipe was repaired, and a remediation company was brought in to dry and disinfect affected areas. The district planned to reopen the middle and high schools on schedule the following day.

The high school gym was to remain temporarily closed while possible water damage to the flooring was assessed. The theater stage flooring also required inspection.

Junior Khloe Seiferth Joins BOE as Student Representative

The board welcomed Khloe Seiferth, a New Fairfield High School junior, as its new student representative. Active in the school’s swim team, chorus, and theater programs, Seiferth shared updates on student activities, including the recent club fair, upcoming school events, and fundraising activities.

Student Achievement: Encouraging Results and Areas for Improvement

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kristine Woleck presented spring 2026 standardized assessment results, including Advanced Placement (AP) examinations, the SAT, and Smarter Balanced assessments.

The district met or exceeded the state’s 95 percent participation requirement across the reported assessments.

AP participation was particularly strong, with more students taking examinations than in the previous four years. Many earned scores of three or higher, which may qualify for college credit or placement, depending on the institution.

Elementary school results also showed encouraging progress. Third-grade English language arts performance was the strongest in five years, while third- and fourth-grade mathematics results were also encouraging.

However, SAT results revealed challenges, particularly among students identified as having high needs. Administrators noted that the smaller student cohort and differences in student needs may have contributed to the results. The district is reviewing student performance and identifying additional academic support.

The presentation also emphasized that standardized tests represent only one measure of student learning.

“Our district is committed to critical thinking and developing that critical thinking in our students, developing their collaboration skills, developing their communication skills,” Dr. Woleck said.

Facilities Improvements Across the District

The board received an update on approximately $553,000 in summer facilities improvements supported by capital project and district budget funds.

Carrie DePuy, director of business and operations, reported that the district is awaiting recommendations from a middle school facilities condition study, expected in early November, to help establish priorities for future repairs and improvements.

DePuy and Joseph Lombardozzi, director of facilities, also reviewed completed projects and improvements.

A major project was the completion of the second phase of the middle school music suite, providing three large instructional spaces, including a practice room. The rooms feature air conditioning, smartboards, and a sound system.

Other improvements included locker room renovations with new lockers, flooring, lighting and ventilation; kitchen equipment upgrades; renovated bathroom facilities; rebuilt exterior stairs; and new security gates at middle school entrances and exits.

A Perry Weather Monitoring system, donated by the Old Timers Club, was also installed to alert staff to lightning and potentially unsafe weather conditions near athletic fields.

New Gold Card Offers Free Admission to School Events

Craw announced the launch of a Senior and Veteran VIP Gold Card program, offering free admission to school-sponsored athletic and performing arts events.

He explained that the program is part of the district’s community engagement initiative and expressed hope that seniors and veterans would take advantage of free admission to school events.

Adults 65 and older and veterans can obtain a Gold Card at the New Fairfield Senior Center. The program provides admission to home athletic events, theater productions, band, orchestra and chorus performances.

The next regular meeting of the New Fairfield Board of Education is scheduled for Thursday, November 5, at 7 p.m. Residents may attend BOE regular meetings in person or watch recordings available on the district website.