At their Thursday, April 7 meeting, members of New Fairfield’s Board of Education (BOE) and district administrators lamented the proceedings at recent Board of Finance (BOF) meetings. With the BOF deadlocked at 3-3 on votes, in asking for reductions, and having failed motions to move the budget forward as is, the BOE is left feeling frustrated and are pushing back. Director of Business and Operations Dr. Richard Sanzo noted that the financial picture, in rega rd to a deficit this year, is becoming more clear. He cautioned that, if a budget needs to be redrawn, it will not be to its favor, given that unanticipated costs in utilities, special education, and expenses for the Shepaug agriculture program have all risen sharply.

In his Chairmen’s Report, Mr. Dominic Cipollone stressed, regarding the budget, that “I feel like our schools are being held hostage” and said “I hope we can come to a resolution with this because it’s been taxing on this community.” Superintendent Dr. Pat Cosentino concurred, saying “This process is extremely frustrating. Our Board of Education and our administrative team have presented a budget that is fiscally responsible and meets the diverse needs of our students.” She reminisced about the lockstep fashion in which the town boards have worked in her previous years in the district. She said that she was “always so proud of the working relationship between the Board of Finance and the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Education during my four years as superintendent.”

BOE member Ms. Stephanie Strazza expressed frustration that “it was implied that we’re not used to being asked for information and that’s why we’re not giving it, that’s not true. We give plenty of information. We’ve always been transparent with our Board of Finance, and the difference is that they worked collaboratively with us…They didn’t ask for information that was to be used against us.” Ms. Samantha Mannion said, “I think this entire interaction that we’ve been having with the Board of Finance kind of crystallizes that we do not need to be told how to spend our budget money…We have put forward a transparent and fiscally responsible budget and it is time for them to allow us to continue to do our jobs, which is to figure out what we need to meet the needs of the children in this community.”

Regarding the politicization of the budget process, Mr. Greg Flanagan pointed out that he’s a Republican and shares a desire for lower taxes, however he stressed that this budget is “responsible” and “bare bones.” He also implored BOF members to “Give the voice back to the people” and allow a town vote on the budget.

In other news, Cosentino congratulated Mrs. Christine Baldelli who is retiring from New Fairfield at the end of the school year. “She has done wonderful things for our students and staff at New Fairfield Middle School, and I wish her only the best in her retirement,” Cosentino said.

There was a lengthy presentation by art and music faculty that detailed the work that the group has undergone to become a more cohesive unit in the past year. Working with an external consultant, they now have established plans with a more formal curriculum across the board and are united on goals for consistency in the department. It was noted that most of the art and music faculty didn’t know each other before this process began, but that they have now formed bonds.

Art and music teachers took turns presenting new plans, such as a marketing brochure for prospective students, the first district-wide art show, new opportunities, such as a folk dance club at Meeting House Hill School, and more.

Sanzo gave an update on the new school buildings, noting that the BOE will join the Permanent Building Committee (PBC) on April 12 to vote on playground plans for the elementary school(s). He also mentioned that the next Zoning Commission meeting on the bus lot will be held on April 25, saying “I encourage board members to attend that meeting and, if you so choose, to voice your opinion. As you know the PBC has done exten sive work looking at alternative sites across the town and have come to the conclusion that the most viable site is the one that they originally proposed, but they have made some modifications to try and address some of the concerns that they had heard from the public in prior meetings.”

The board voted unanimously to adopt a zero-tolerance policy for hate crimes and bias incidents. The policy strengthens the protections for all students, while also delineating the consequences when need arises. They also voted to approve a February 2023 trip to Quebec, which will be coordinated by high and middle school French teacher Ms. Heidi Edel. Approximately 25 to 50 students will accompany her to Quebec, along with chaperones. Similar to an exchange program, the students will stay in real (highly vetted) homes in the area. There was also a unanimous vote to accept a $3,000 donation for athletic equipment by the Old Timers Athletic Association of Greater Danbury.

In future agenda item requests, Ms. Kim LaTourette requested that the board discuss the plan for administration at Meeting House Hill School (MHHS)/Consolidated Early Learning Academy for next year. Cipollone asked for Athletic Director Mr. Mark Ottusch to present his plan to revise policies for student athletes, for expectations regarding athlete and fan behavior, and more.

In Curriculum Subcommittee news there was a discussion regarding the pilot programs that are ongoing in the search for a new math program for grades 6 through 12, following the abandonment of their current program after less than a year. Though both programs that they are piloting have heavy online components, Cipollone cautioned that “it’s really important that we get this right” and “having a program that’s maybe less reliant on technology and more reliant on thinking and teacher/student interaction, may be the way to go.” There was also a conversation regarding the strings position at MHHS, which was rolled into the band position last year, but is now proposed to be a .5 position again in next year’s budget.

The Special Ed Ad Hoc group was pleased to report that the Strides Transition group has moved into their new location. There will be ribb on cutting in May to celebrate the new space and the educational and vocational opportunities it unlocks.

The next regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 27, 7:00 p.m.

By Sarah Opdahl