By Cherry Dumaual

According to official meeting minutes, the board approved both the $53.6 million operating budget (a 4.4% increase) and the $623,000 capital budget at its Feb. 5 regular meeting.

The following reflects the official actions recorded in the meeting minutes:

There was a lengthy discussion regarding the proposed fiscal year 2026–2027 operating and capital budgets. Each board member gave his or her opinion regarding the budgets. There was discussion about the increasing cost of special education, and there was a suggestion of possibly forgoing some of the capital budget to cover special education expenses.

Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Craw noted that the budget is starting with a $150,000 deficit due to attrition.

Board member Ed Sbordone made a motion to recommend to the full BOE the approval of the 2026–27 BOE operating budget in the amount of $53,591,293, an increase of 4.44%, and the 2026–27 BOE capital budget in the amount of $615,000. BOE Secretary Kimberly LaTourette seconded the motion.

Ed Sbordone made a motion to amend the previous motion to increase the capital budget from $615,000 to $623,000. LaTourette seconded the motion. Board members in favor of the amendment: Kathy Baker, Dominic Cipollone, Greg Flanagan, Sue Huwer, Amy Johnson, Peggy Katkocin, LaTourette, Samantha Mannion, and Ed Sbordone.

In favor of the motion as amended: Kathy Baker, Amy Johnson, Peggy Katkocin, Kimberly LaTourette, and Ed Sbordone.

Those opposed to the motion as amended: BOE Chair Dominic Cipollone, Greg Flanagan, Sue Huwer, and Samantha Mannion.

The motion was then approved.

The BOE will present the budgets to the Board of Finance on Saturday, March 7. The BOE will present at 9:00 a.m.

Note: NF residents can get full budget details at the NF BOE webpage: vimeopro.com/user53774442/new-fairfield-board-of-education The next regular meeting of the New Fairfield Board of Education is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, at 7 p.m.