By Cherry Dumaual

NEW FAIRFIELD — The New Fairfield Board of Education’s (BOE) June 29 special meeting on Zoom highlighted two very different aspects of public service: a generous donation from the New Fairfield Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) that will enhance students’ recess experience and the board’s inability to reach consensus on filling a vacant Board of Education seat.

PTO Donation Will Expand Playground Activities

Students at New Fairfield Elementary School will soon have new opportunities for active play thanks to a donation from the school’s PTO.

The BOE unanimously accepted the PTO’s donation to fund painted playground markings on the school’s blacktop, including games such as Four Square, hopscotch and basketball activities.

Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Craw said the project was developed through collaboration between the PTO and elementary school administration to make even better use of the school’s playground.

“As you know, we have a wonderful playground area surface,” Craw told the board. “The one thing, though, that could really enhance the playground experience are some markings throughout the cement area, whether it’s Four Square, whether it’s basketball, hopscotch… those kinds of things give children other places to play. They would structure areas, figure things out, but sometimes when you have those things, it allows them for further interactions around whether it’s basketball, Four Square, other things.”

Craw said the PTO selected a contractor for the project and will contract directly for the work, while the district’s facilities department will oversee the installation on school property.

“It’s a very generous donation,” he said.

Board members also expressed their appreciation.

“I just think it’s great, and I think the kids are gonna love it,” Secretary Kimberly LaTourette commented.

Board Unable to Reach Decision on Vacancy

The second major item on the agenda was the appointment of a new Board of Education member to fill the vacancy created by the June 11 resignation of Susan Huwer.

Two New Fairfield residents — recently retired educator Joanne Tolles and Frank Ruddy, a contractor and licensed inspector, appeared before the board, outlining their backgrounds and why they wished to serve. Board members also asked each candidate about their familiarity with the school district, priorities for public education and attendance at previous BOE meetings.

Tolles, who spent much of her career teaching in the Danbury Public Schools, said she hoped to continue serving students after retirement.

“I have a passion for education,” she remarked. “I am not ready to stop being an educator in the sense of giving back to the world.”

Ruddy said he has a vested interest because his children attend NFMS and enjoy going to school. He said he wants to help ensure that continues as his children have thrived there.

He emphasized, “I have time and the heart to dedicate to the board.”

Following interviews with both candidates, the board entered executive session twice but was unable to reach a majority decision.

Returning to open session, Chair Dominic Cipollone announced, “We have an impasse. The decision will be made by the First Selectman. We will contact her and we’ll inform both candidates.”

Before adjourning, Cipollone thanked both candidates for their willingness to serve the community.

“I really want to say, I thank you both for sharing some time with us and offering your perspectives on this. We appreciate it. Thank you all for your commitment to the schools and to the kids in our community,” he said.

Because the board was unable to break the tie, the vacancy remained unfilled. If the BOE does not elect a new member within 30 days of the former member’s resignation date (June 11), the responsibility for filling the vacant seat will fall to the First Selectman or the Board of Selectmen.