By Sarah Opdahl

On the morning of Saturday, March 2, New Fairfield’s Board of Finance (BOF) heard a presentation on the proposed education budget by Ne w Fairfield’s Board of Educat ion (BOE) and school administrators. BOF Chair Mr. Doug Jendras shared his perspective on New Fairfield’s budget climate, saying the “tax base is finite. Our grand list is not growing, our unassigned general fund is not overflowing with excess funds…we should always be working to examine the needs for better ways to prioritize the broken and investigate any synergies that exist so that we can get the most out of every dollar.” Though the BOF originally requested that education and Town budgets come as close to 2.5% as possible, both were proposed at higher amounts. The proposed education budget is $48,695,091, an increase  of 4.95%.

Pre-gaming the back-and-forth between the BOF and BOE, Jendras submitted dozens of questions on the education budget prior to this meeting and school officials were prepared with an in-depth handout for BOF and members of the public in attendance. BOE Chair Mr. Dominic Cipollone was happy to point out the many successes in the district and the tremendous impact of the new school buildings. He highlighted the areas that have rebounded since the pandemic and those that still need improvement.

Superintendent Dr. Ken Cr aw delivered budget information which he has described as “needs based,” and detailed the factors that are driving the budget increases this year. First, the district has exhausted the federal monies that were distributed during the pandemic. Another factor is a reduced poverty rate in New Fairfield— resulting in the district receiving a 52% reduction, or $230,000 less, in entitlement grant funding. “That was a big hit to our budget,” he said. Lastly, Craw hopes to eliminate an assumption in the budget that staff turnover will equal savings. A $300,000 savings was built into the budget in previous years, expecting that teachers and staff will retire or exit and be replaced by those commanding a lower salary. Craw relayed that this is an unrealistic marker and he would like to step down this assumption over the next few years. The district also hopes to begin implementing a five-year capital improvement plan, including a series of updates to New Fairfield Middle School and a  potential replacement of the athletic turf fields and lighting systems.

Craw explained that total student enrollment, a major factor in determining budget needs, is projected to be close to flat in the next five years. Though this signals that staffing would typically remain consistent, with shifts in elementary positions to fit the needs of particular grades, there is interest in continuing to invest in mental health needs with another school psychologist and high school guidance counselor. In addition, Craw expressed the need for a Middle School librarian, a position which has remained vacant for the last couple of years. A math coach/interventionist position is planned for elimination.

Unfunded mandates being issued by the state—such as the Right to Read Act which is contributing to a literacy curriculum shift at the elementary level—will require significant funding in the budget. Craw also stressed the need to invest in professional development to support higher-quality teaching.

Special education, which amounts to 10% of the budget is less predictable than other areas. There continues to be a steady increase in children identified as needing services. It was noted, however, that outplacements and transportation costs, which were on an unchecked rise in the past, have plateaued with more services being offered in the district.

There are hopes to offset the education budget with funding from Sherman tuition, which is projected to be $533,000 in revenue, an unprecedented amount given that more students than ever are choosing New Fairfield’s new high school. The funding has gone to the Town budget in the past, but the BOE hopes that it will be redirected. In addition, Craw identified other potential savings, such as a potential cut to a proposed athletics payroll increase and possible pension reductions.

The Board of Finance will meet with Board of Selectmen and Board of Education members, in addition to school administrators, on Wednesday evenings in March at 7:30 p.m.