New Fairfield’s Board of Education most recently met on Thursday, November 3. They heard a presentation by Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Craw regarding the New England School Development Council (NESDEC) enrollment projections. Given that enrollment is closely tied to budgeting, the findings are always significant for administrators and board members. This year’s data came with the silver lining that the steep decline that New Fairfield was on appears to be stabilizing.

Historically, over the last ten years there was a drop from an average of 2,700 students to just 2,100 students this year-—an approximate 24% decrease. However, Craw said, “I think there’s some really positive news when we look at where we’re headed in terms of the projections.”  As of now, with an increase in birth to age five children, the projections indicate a possible 6% increase over the next decade.

The board discussed the academic calendar for 2023-2024 and explained that the

school will again start after Labor Day. In large part this is due to the high school’s final construction sign offs. It was noted that there will still be a large amount of landscaping work to complete on the site at least in the fall. The calendar will follow the same pattern as this year, with five profess ional days and five data days. The board will vote on the calendar at a meeting soon.

Discussion has revived regarding changing the school start—and thereby end—time for the high school which will synchronize with the middle school’s timing. Though the data regarding the benefits of more sleep for teens is widely accepted, the reality of adjusting sports and other extracurriculars is a large challenge with a host of players, many of whom are new to the district since the idea originally gained traction. There were also comments regarding traffic flow, which was originally intended to accommodate this plan but may have shifted over time. It was noted that the board “does not want a repeat of this year,” in reference to the elementary traffic debacle in September.

Assistant Superintendent Ms. Julie Luby remarked that the recent Sign & Sub event was very successful, with thirty individuals offering to substitute teach. During the event, “the room was filled from the minute we started until about one o’clock,” Luby said. Candidates explained that flexibility is key in the role.

Free breakfast and lunch for all students will end in December, Director of Business and Operations Ms. Carrie DePuy said, she went on to say “starting January 3, it’ll be back to paid lunches. Communication will go out to families reminding them to apply for free and reduced and/or to put money in their child’s account.”

The next regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 17, 7:00 p.m.

By Sarah Opdahl