On December 1, New Fairfield’s Board of Education heard a lengthy presentation from the high school’s College and Career Center. Though it was noted that this was the first presentation in recent memory from that department for the school board, it will not be the last. Avidly interested in the topic, Board Chair Mr. Dominic Cipollone suggested that it would be helpful to have quarterly updates from them.

College and Career Counseling Chair Ms. Stephanie Cheung described this as a time of change in the department, with staff staying agile to better suit the students’ needs. Whether a student is attending a four-year college, a community college, a trade school, the military, or going straight to work, the goal is for every student to have a firm plan upon graduation. Cheung explained the roles that the counselors play for each student, from planning in freshman year to the busy application process for seniors.

Cheung further explained that the college process can be strained and stressful. Each counselor juggles the needs of 60 or more seniors, including writin g recommendation letters and submitting all materials to the schools each student applies to. The board was reassured that, by senior year, the counselors know the students well, some better than o thers. She said, following national trends, New Fairfield’s students are beginning to choose trade schools in higher numbers, with 87% of NFHS graduates last year attending four-year schools, 11% choosing a two-year or trade school, and 2% going straight to work or taking a gap year.

Given the sky-high costs of college, Cheung noted finances are the highest concern for many of New Fairfield’s students and families. She explained that, though there are many metrics upon which national college choice trends are followed, New Fairfield’s students tend to be concerned with receiving an education for a specific career, many identify the healthcare and engineering fields as goals, and the social experience that they will have in college. Though national trends regarding the number of colleges that students are applying to are wildly changing, NFHS students tend to average approximately eight applications per student, though that number has dipped a bit this year so far.

When Cheung explained that most NFHS students steer toward state schools, with many “clamoring to go to UCONN,” which she noted is harder than ever to be admitted to, Cipollone asked if there are conversations happening regarding more top-tier colleges. Cheung agreed that this is an area they hope to expand upon and explained, on the other hand, that there are sometimes tough conversations with students occurring regarding what schools they qualify for. Making sure that the conversation was clear about trade schools, Ms. Kimberly LaTourette pointed out that all-A students are also choosing to attend and enter trades, rather than attend a four-year college, hoping that stigmas regarding school choice and academic performance continue to break down.

Recognizing that there is room for improvement, the high school plans to begin the college information process a bit earlier going forward, with more information being delivered for all grades, especially junior year. They also plan to start an application boot camp in the summer before senior year. In addition, they are continuing to offer college fair access and visits, plus will be rolling out weekly mini sessions and reviving a career day with outside speakers. There is also a plan to begin outreach to graduates regarding their choices and to track their progress.

Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Craw did not delve too deeply into budget news, given that the process will more fully start in January. However, he raised a flag regarding positions that had been covered by ESSER federal grants needing to be added to the future budget. While some of the positions were originally targeted for a brief period to help with learning loss, the district now sees them as important to continuing to aid students in rebounding from the adverse educational effects of the early pandemic. Beyond those positions, Craw pointed out that “there are what I would call meat and potato positions here: a kindergarten position, third grade…so in terms of staffing, we’re looking to maintain a similar staffing plan.” Board member Mr. Ed Sbordone clarified that funding for all the positions “would need to come from the taxpayers.”

In a construction update, Director of Business and Operations Ms. Carrie DePuy explained that the elementary playground is now complete, with except for one inspection sign off. She noted that some work will need to be completed on the rubber surface in the spring as at least one person and dog walked on the surface before it had fully cured. Whether to completely re-rubberize the surface or patch it is under discussion. Additionally she mentioned that having the elementary buses use Middleton Drive is still in discussion and the Consolidated bus lot is in the courts.

The next regular New Fairfield Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 15, 7:00 p.m.

By Sarah Opdahl