By Cherry Dumaual

NEW FAIRFIELD – In the opening of the Thursday, March 21 regular meeting of the

New Fairfield Board of Education (BOE), held on Zoom, Chair Dominic Cipollone directly addressed a recent News-Times article revealing that one-hundred teachers in the district earned six-figure salaries in 2023. While he expressed his thought that posting salaries is borderline intrusive, he conveyed his gratitude to teachers. Cipollone commended the dedication of teachers and school administrators, and acknowledged the challenges they encounter.

He emphasized the reality that, within a short drive, educators could find higher-paying positions, underscoring the commitment shown by those connected to the district’s schools. Reflecting on the demanding nature of teaching, Cipollone highlighted the early mornings, late nights, and the continuous effort teachers invest in lesson planning, communication, and

addressing diverse student needs. He stressed, “This is not a part-time profession…people take this home, they wake up with it in the middle of the night. It is 24/7.”

Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Craw noted that Teacher Educator Appreciation Week was coming up on May 6 through 10. Referring to the school year, he talked about teachers investing their time and energy in preparing for the arrival of students, embracing the excitement and settling into the rhythm of the academic calendar. Dr. Craw added that despite the challenges, the town’s educators work tirelessly, especially as they approach the end of the year and various conferences. These conferences serve as opportunities to strengthen the partnership between parents and teachers. Additionally, Dr. Craw recognized School Resource Officers (SROs) and school administrators. He highlighted the crucial partnership with law enforcement regarding school safety and security. His remarks shed light on how SROs not only provide a sense of security but also actively contribute to training, building relationships with students and staff, and addressing potential threats. As for school administrators, he expressed gratitude for

their dedication and willingness to step up during times of staffing shortages to maintain the smooth operation of NF schools.

Turning to the NF BOE 2024-2005 budget, Dr. Craw gave an update of highlights with Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kristine Woleck and Director of Business Operations Carrie DePuy joining him to answer questions from the New Fairfield Board of Finance (BOF). First, Dr. Craw clarified the incorrect impression of some BOF members that the BOE had a surplus of $400,000 from last year’s budget. In actuality, the expenditure surplus was $13,360, i.e., 0.04% of total budget, showing how tightly managed it was.

Dr. Craw emphasized that the proposed budget is dedicated to the

continuous improvement of our schools. He said it is a fiscally responsible needs-

based budget that addresses current issues. The BOF’s reductions to the BOE

budget will put it in a tenuous position. Dr. Craw took the Board members through the four pillars of the budget: 1) Maintaining class sizes; 2) Investing in student well-being; 3) Supporting

instruction, and improving outcomes: 4) Empowerment to fortify the PreK-

12 curriculum.

Following this presentation, Dr. Craw turned to Dr. Woleck and Ms. DePuy

to respond to BOF questions. Dr. Wolek tackled the query about Advanced

Placements (AP) and Early College Experience (ECE) courses. In her response, she emphasized the importance of providing rigorous courses to prepare students for college-level work. Depuy responded to the BOF question about the reason for the decrease of grants over the last three years. She explained that the cause for the decrease is the significant loss in entitlement grants and federal funds. Overall, the principal arguments centered on the need for adequate budget

allocations to support instructional improvements and the interconnectedness of the four pillars of education.

Dr. Craw reminded the BOE that the Next BOF Meeting is on Wednesday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m.

and encouraged families to come out and advocate for the budget. During the public participation, Peggy Katkocin, BOF Alternate Member, spoke about her experience with BOF, which has demonstrated to her that most of th e people there are trying to maintain the balance of providing services to the public while keeping taxpayers somewhat happy and engaged in the

process. She said that, in looking at the budget, the areas that impact the greatest number of people in our town are public safety, public works, and public education. As a supporter of the education system, she encouraged NF town members to let BOF know where they stand, because it is important for BOF to support the budget for everyone. She urged that parents listen, get their friends to come out, vote and support this budget.

When Cipollone asked Board members to share their closing comments, they were crystal clear about their message to parents and the NF community at large: Get your voice heard.

Board Secretary Kimberly LaTourette underscored why the town’s support is crucial. Addressing parents and community members, she said, “Your voices are part of the process. BOE and BOF need to hear them. Dr. Craw provided a needs-based budget that continues improvement. Everything is accounted for. Don’t wait until you’re angry or upset, let them he ar you

during this process.” Vice Chair Samantha Mannion followed up, “Cuts are going to hurt our

educational system. I hope people will keep this in mind. Come out, advocate, and support the school budget because we can’t do it all by ourselves.”

The next regular meeting of the New Fairfield Board of Education is scheduled on Thursday, April 4, at 7 p.m.