By Cherry Dumaual

The New Fairfield Board of Education (NF BOE) opened the 2025–2026 school year’s first regular meeting with a mix of accomplishments and frustration.  Members applauded recent project successes but also pressed Colliers International for answers on delays that continue to affect students and staff.

Completed Projects Bring Pride

The meeting maintained a positive note, as officials reviewed completed projects: the new high school stadium and track, the renovation of the Middle School Library, a servery upgrade (related to renovations in the middle school food serving area), and the significant savings achieved on the oil tank replacement.

Director of Business and Operations Carrie DePuy explained the funding behind the work, noting that some were special projects supported by outside sources, while others came from within the operating budget. She credited the strong collaboration between the Town and schools for all progress made.

Director of Buildings and Grounds Phil Ross enthusiastically described the stadium improvements. “If you haven’t been up to the high school, you’ve got to get up there … see the stadium complete, it’s amazing,” he said. Ross also highlighted the major cost savings of the oil tank project, where engineers were able to safely fill the old tank with lightweight concrete rather than removing it entirely.

Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Craw praised the work, commending the team’s focus on communication, collaboration, and cost-effective project management.

Delays and Frustrations

The tone shifted when Colliers representative Mark Schweitzer reported on ongoing projects, including the bus lot, propane lines in the science wing, and the elementary playground surface.

Bus lot: Schweitzer estimated construction could begin next spring, pending approvals, bidding, and funding.

Propane lines: While new gas lines have been installed to the culinary and service kitchens, Colliers is drafting a letter to a contractor about replacing the propane lines to the science room. The point of getting the contractor that initially installed the pipe to fix it came up. Also, a question was raised by Chair Dominic Cipollone: who is covering the cost of this setback. Schweitzer did not give a specific answer, nor did he provide a timeline for resolving the propane issue.

Playground: The latest status on the ongoing issue of the children’s playground frustrated the BOE members. Colliers uncovered a concern with the drainage and the drainage material below the play surface. Schweitzer explained, “We have been in contact with the play surface installer. We had finally gotten him to the table to replace it. We met in March and made the plan to replace it. He was here on August 4 to remove the surface. And once he had done so, he had found standing water under the play surface. There’s a plan in place now to install under drains across the playground and then remove the existing stone that’s there—about four to five inches—install the under drains, [and] connect the under drains to the current drainage that is in the playground to provide additional drainage.” He continued by explaining that once that happens, the surface installer will come back and put four inches of sub base down, and then install the play surface…”

Secretary Kimberly LaTourette noted, “…we had this meeting in March, and now we’re waiting till September. That’s so disappointing. It’s kids inside all day, and not being able to use a playground is absolutely ridiculous.”

Elementary School Principal Allyson Story reassured the BOE members and families that students would still have recess. “Keeping the kids inside is not an option,” she said, outlining contingency plans that include new playground equipment, access to the blacktop, and use of grassy fields. “We still will have access to the blacktop, to the basketball hoops, and we do have all the grass area that we used when the building was originally under construction. We’re planning on having at least some space for kids to be able to go outside… The only time they’ll be inside is on rainy days, as always.”

Nominations for New Fairfield Rebels Hall of Honor

NFHS Principal James D’Amico announced the creation of the New Fairfield Rebels Hall of Honor, which will celebrate not only athletics but also the performing arts, distinguished alumni, and dedicated contributors to the school community. Nominations are open until December 31, with the first induction planned for spring. See full information and how to nominate in the July 31st issue of the Town Tribune.

Welcoming back Stephanie Strazza as Board Member

Vice Chair Samantha Mannion welcomed back former Board member Stephanie Strazza, who has rejoined to fill the vacancy left by Tim Blair’s resignation. “It’s very nice to have her back,” Mannion said.

Public Participation

Public participation brought both concerns and heartfelt appeals. Resident Ms. Jennifer Pappas criticized Colliers for unreliability and lack of accountability. “We have not been clearly told if [repairs] will be covered in writing, and our town may have to pay again. That is unacceptable,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Pat Toth, following up on his appeal at a previous BOE regular meeting, urged the Board to name the high school baseball field in honor of Mr. Mike and Mr. Joe Garbowski, who have kept the Rebel Field vital for more than 30 years. Toth emphasized their unpaid dedication, noting Mike’s recent retirement due to Parkinson’s disease. “This is about a family that has given 31 years of blood, sweat, and tears,” Toth said.

Board member Greg Flanagan, a member of the baseball community voiced support, praising the Garbowskis’ ongoing commitment and the pride their work brings to the town.

The next regular meeting of the New Fairfield Board of Education is scheduled for Thursday, September 18, at 7 p.m.