At just over a week on the job, New Fairfield’s new Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Craw is enthusiastic about the path ahead. “This is such an exciting time of growth and opportunity to lead the district,” he said, “As one teacher aptly conveyed to me, this is a ‘dynamic moment’ for the schools, and I have recognized that in the short time that I have been here.”
He’s intentionally diving in to listen to staff, parents, students, and other stakeholders, saying that he wants to gather feedback. “I anticipate that these conversations will allow me to uncover key areas of focus for the upcoming year, which will inform district and school goals.”
“Developing a strong communication plan and sharing it publicly is high on my list of priorities,” Craw said, which was evident in a recent letter to the school community. He shared personal stories and a past memory of the town in the letter, writing that he appreciated experiencing then and now, “the warmth of the New Fairfield community.”
Hopeful for the year ahead, Craw says that he is “confident that the upcoming school year will be a more normal experience for students and staff, as we knew pre-pandemic.” He pointed out that for many of the district’s youngest learners, who began school during the pandemic, “it will be great for them, both socially and academically, to start the year in a more typical learning scenario.”
He looks forward to “seeing students’ smiling faces on the first day of school, eager with anticipation for a new school year. In addition, it will be exciting to witness the opening of the Consolidated/Meeting House Hill Schools after all of the planning and construction.” He plans to visit the schools and classrooms throughout the district periodically, to engage with staff and talk with students about their learning. He says that “meeting with student leaders involved in student government, athletics, and performing arts is on my to-do-list as well.” He will also have a series of meet-and-greets at the year’s start.
Craw will commute from Ridgefield where he lives with his wife, Lauren, who is also an educator, and his two daughters, who will soon enter high school. His letter stressed that, formally, “It is my intention to build on the strong foundation that is currently in place with an emphasis on continuous improvement. Over the summer, the leadership team will meet with me to develop goals to present to the board for the upcoming school year. I will depend on our dedicated team of administrators, teachers, and staff members to move us forward in ways that benefit all children.” More informally, he said that he is simply looking forward to meeting everyone, going on to say, “it is both an honor and a privilege to serve the New Fairfield community. Go Rebels!”
By Sarah Opdahl