By Cherry Dumaual

NEW FAIRFIELD – The New Fairfield Board of Education (BOE) recognized Ms. Sarah Sanborn for her outstanding achievements, culminating in her selection as the 2025 New Fairfield Teacher of the Year. Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Craw commended Ms. Sanborn’s dedication to excellence in education, followed by an introduction from Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kristine Woleck.

“I have witnessed Ms. Sanborn’s teaching in the classroom—the way she sets high expectations for her students, works tirelessly to help them meet those expectations, and partners closely with families,” said Dr. Woleck. “This year, Ms. Sanborn stepped into the role of Curriculum and Instructional Leader (CIL) for literacy in our elementary school. This position allows her to share her expertise with classrooms across the school, collaborating with and coaching teachers to support student growth in reading and writing.”

Dr. Woleck also highlighted Ms. Sanborn’s leadership as a district team facilitator. “Ms. Sanborn ensures that new educators who come into our district have the mentors and the supports they need to grow in those first years in the classroom…another illustration of the commitment that she has to building the capacity of our district.”

The BOE provided an update on the progress of the high school facilities, announcing that the culinary classroom kitchen and the Chartwells kitchen are now fully operational with safe propane usage. The focus will now shift to completing work on the science labs. The Permanent Building Committee, through its working group and meetings, will finalize plans over the coming weeks to ensure the labs are fully functional. Repairs to the lab hoods are scheduled for the holiday break, with the goal of making the science labs fully operational by January.

During the Curriculum Subcommittee Report, Board Member Mr. Timothy Blair shared plans to develop a strategic approach to artificial intelligence (AI). “We’re forming an AI work group to address the opportunities and challenges AI presents,” he said. “Our focus will include digital literacy, which encompasses digital safety, media information literacy, digital well-being, and social responsibility.”

The work group will bring together diverse stakeholders to establish guiding principles and explore how AI can enhance learning for both faculty and students. Mr. Blair also noted the possibility of including students in the initiative, which is set to launch in January.

Public participation during the meeting included concerns about a shortage of nursing staff. A mother highlighted issues with agency nurses, noting their lack of orientation and emergency preparedness. A grandmother followed with an appeal for greater support for nurses, emphasizing the need to address the underlying reasons for staff turnover.

The next regular meeting of the New Fairfield Board of Education is scheduled for Thursday, December 19 at 7:00 p.m.