By Cherry Dumaual

NEW FAIRFIELD – At its September 30 meeting, the New Fairfield Board of Education (BOE) emphasized that success in schools is more than a feeling—it’s measurable. With data as the backbone, district leaders highlighted student achievement, addressed wellness concerns, and underscored the importance of community partnerships.

During his Chairman’s Report, BOE Chair Dominic Cipollone reinforced the data that bolster the impressive performance of the Class of 2025. These include a 99% graduation rate, 73% of AP students scoring 3 or higher, and SAT results placing New Fairfield in the top 20% statewide.

He remarked, “Those numbers are a testament to the work that’s taking place, the leadership, the work around curriculum, and the work in the classrooms.” He continued by thanking the team, led by Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Craw, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kristine Woleck, and everyone else for making this possible. Cipollone expressed his hope that the community shows appreciation for the teachers, staff, and school leadership for the work that was completed and achieved.

Cipollone then talked about responsibility. “Everyone bears responsibility for the well-being of our kids, and that goes beyond the classroom and the school building into the community.” He brought up a few questions to make his point. “What do our kids have access to beyond the walls of school? How are we making sure they don’t have access to things that aren’t age-appropriate—whether that’s alcohol, vape pens, or anything else?”

He stressed that bearing responsibility requires a collective effort—from the First Selectman’s office to the police department to the school community. Cipollone clarified, “This isn’t about finger-pointing—it’s about the responsibility of the entire community to make sure every child is safe throughout the school day and beyond. That requires a commitment from everyone.”

Superintendent Introduces Points of Pride

In his Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Craw built on Cipollone’s remarks by emphasizing both student achievement and the district’s commitment to wellness. Dr. Craw noted that the district’s Community Read of The Anxious Generation is underway. In the coming weeks, opportunities for discussions will be scheduled at the school and community levels. Staff members are also reading the book and exploring how its themes can inform classroom practice and student well-being.

The district continues to highlight wellness initiatives, such as mindfulness spaces and cell phone-free classrooms.

While academic outcomes remain a central focus, Dr. Craw reminded the community that the full student experience extends far beyond the classroom. He introduced the district’s Points of Pride document, which showcases NFPS’ wide range of achievements. Scheduled to appear on the NFPS website, Points of Pride will capture what’s behind NFPS’ “Excellence in Education.” Students, parents, and residents will have a handy reference for the key points that make NFPS “the Pride of Our Community.”

In closing his Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Craw said, “I just hope people get a chance to take a look at those Points of Pride and take tremendous appreciation of yourself as parents, the hard work of our students and the teachers and, of course, the Board of Education.”

Parent Voices Concern about Vaping in Schools

During public participation, a New Fairfield mother raised an urgent concern about the ongoing problem of vaping in schools.

“I wanted to bring up the problem, the issue of vaping in the schools. It has been a known problem. It’s been a difficult problem to solve. I know there are many attempts at solving it through education and funding for different things, but the problem is the kids know that they can go into the bathrooms, and they know they can hide the devices. Kids are then introduced to it by the other kids that are bringing it in.”

She continued, “And this situation has touched me personally, as my son was exposed to it this year. He made the awful decision to try it, and then he tried something that he had a severe reaction to. It ended him going to the emergency room for treatment. I ask that this be given discussion time to solve this problem, to address it.”

Board member and Secretary Kimberly LaTourette thanked the mother for coming forward and said the issue requires cooperation between families, schools, and the wider community.

“I just want to thank the mom that shared her comment in the beginning of the meeting. I think that was incredibly brave of her to put herself out there,” Kim said. “And I think as a community, we have to remember that sometimes good kids make bad choices, regardless of what we try to do maybe at home or school, and unfortunately some of those choices lead to harm. Sometimes it leads to addiction, sometimes it leads to nothing—they don’t get in trouble at all. Nobody finds out about it. Everything’s fine.”

She encouraged both parents and educators to strengthen accountability and supervision. “I think we have to try to hold our kids more accountable at home and at school. I don’t know if it is stricter consequences for those involved, or those that are sharing devices, if it’s us trying to keep track of—unfortunately—decreasing some independence because kids don’t make good choices, and it could cause harm.”

She discussed keeping track of who’s out of the classroom at what time, for how long, and what bathroom they are going to. “You know, we have to put that in effect at the middle school level that I’m at, and you would think high school kids hopefully could have a little bit more independence. But if we’re going to have kids that are not making good choices and then causing harm to other kids, regardless if it’s vaping, whatever it may be, it’s not all the responsibility of the schools.”

LaTourette also urged parents to be proactive at home. “It’s not our job to be our kids’ friends. You need to check your kids’ bags and clothing and cars and bedrooms, and sometimes be the mean parent and hold them accountable. Or if—you know—teach your kids too that if you see somebody vaping in the bathroom, you should tell someone because you’re reporting. You’re not being a tattletale, you’re not being a snitch, you’re reporting an unsafe situation that could cause harm. And thankfully this kid is okay, but it doesn’t mean that every kid is going to be okay.”

She added that supervision during the school day can be challenging. “It’s hard to increase supervision because teachers are busy teaching. I hope our SROs are wandering the hallways and are visible. And, you know, everybody hears something and everybody knows something. I just hope that we’re reporting stuff so that we can keep kids safe and help them make better decisions.”

Board member Ed Sbordone agreed, noting that he had spoken with the family. “I agree 100% with what Kimberly said. The mother and her child stopped at our [NF Town Fair] booth on Saturday and discussed the entire situation with us. Samantha [board member and vice chair] was there as well, and this is something that I believe we will be looking at our next policy subcommittee meeting to try and enhance what we need to do to stop this kind of thing going on in the bathrooms or wherever within the school.”

The next regular meeting of the New Fairfield BOE is scheduled for Thursday, October 16, at 7 p.m.