By Cherry Dumaual

NEW FAIRFIELD — After months of discussion and an outpouring of public support, the New Fairfield Board of Education (BOE) members voted 5–4 against naming the New Fairfield High School (NFHS) baseball field after the Garbowski family at its December 18th regular meeting on Zoom. Following the vote, the Board unanimously approved an alternative motion to recognize the father, former Assistant Coach Mike, and son, Head Coach Joe Garbowski with a commemorative plaque.

The decision came after public participation and detailed Board deliberations, reflecting both widespread community support for the Garbowskis and differing interpretations among Board members regarding district policy and precedent.

During public participation prior to voting, several NF community members emphasized the Garbowski family’s decades-long impact on New Fairfield baseball, citing mentorship, volunteer labor, and visible improvements to the town’s baseball field.

NFHS alum Braden Quinn, who played four seasons on the school’s top-level baseball team under Coach Joe Garbowski, urged members to consider the transformation of the varsity baseball field over time. He encouraged Board members to review aerial images showing changes to the facility since the Garbowskis’ involvement, including new batting cages, dugouts, bullpens, and spectator seating.

Former BOE member Timothy Blair also spoke in support of the naming request, praising the Garbowski family’s volunteerism and long-standing service to the town.

Pat Toth, who initiated the naming request and helped organize an online petition supporting the request, reported nearly 700 signatures. He said they included hundreds of NF residents as well as alumni, umpires, and supporters from neighboring towns.

Board Deliberations and Decisions

Before Board deliberations began, Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Craw outlined how recognition requests must be evaluated within the Board’s governance role and existing policy. He emphasized alignment with policy, equity across past and future requests, and the need for decisions that are consistent and transparent over time. Dr. Craw reviewed the three recognition options available under policy: Hall of Honor induction, facility naming, and plaques.

“Facilities naming is certainly permissible,” the superintendent said. “I want to note that for all these kinds of recognitions, the BOE must prioritize contributions to our school community.”

During the discussion, several Board members expressed strong respect for the Garbowski family while differing on whether the request met the criteria for facility naming.

Board member Greg Flanagan spoke in favor of naming the field, recounting firsthand experiences working alongside Coach Garbowski on field improvements.

“There’s a reason this field looks the way it does,” Flanagan said, citing years of volunteer labor across multiple town fields.

Board member Peggy Katkocin also supported the request, highlighting New Fairfield’s reliance on volunteers and calling the naming a meaningful gesture of appreciation.

Other members voiced concern about precedent and policy consistency. BOE Secretary Kimberly LaTourette, Kathy Baker, Amy Johnson, Samantha Mannion, and Susan Huwer each noted that while the Garbowskis’contributions were significant, the policy was intentionally written to set a high bar for naming facilities.

Huwer added that she felt naming the field was premature, noting that Coach Garbowski is still actively serving.

Following discussion, a motion to name the varsity baseball field after the Garbowski family failed by a 5–4 vote.

A second motion was then introduced to recognize the Garbowskis with a commemorative plaque honoring their dedication and volunteer service to New Fairfield baseball. That motion passed unanimously. Several Board members emphasized that the plaque should be viewed as meaningful recognition rather than a lesser honor.

As for next steps, Dr. Craw explained that the high school administration and athletic department will oversee the plaque’s design, placement, and presentation, in consultation with community stakeholders.

While the vote was close, Board members emphasized that the decision followed extensive discussion and deliberation, and that the approved recognition is intended to honor the Garbowski family’s longstanding service to New Fairfield baseball.

BOE Faces Pressure on School Budget with Special Education Needs

New Fairfield school officials said rising special education costs are placing increasing strain on the district’s budget due to federal mandates and limited state reimbursement. Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Craw introduced the presentation, followed by Director of Pupil Personnel Services Monica Krepstzul, who outlined the district’s legal obligations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. “Under federal law called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, school districts have specific legal responsibilities to students with disabilities,” Krepstzul said. “First, we must provide a free, appropriate public education. This means special education and related services must be provided at no cost to families, and must be designed to help each identified student make meaningful educational progress.”

Krepstzul said special education services are individualized and that the district prioritizes educating students in district whenever possible, with out-of-district placements used only when a student’s needs cannot be safely or effectively met. She reported that 19 students are currently placed out of district.

Director of Business and Operations Carrie DePuy said the district is facing a $1.2 million shortfall, explaining that Connecticut’s excess-cost reimbursement covers only part of actual expenses. “If a student costs $200,000… on that $93,000 we get $63,000 back,” she said. “So you have to spend the $136,000. It’s really unfunded mandates that we’re dealing with here.”

Board member LaTourette underscored the obligation. “This is unpredictable, but it’s mandatory. We have to take care of these kids.”

In closing, Chair Dominic Cipollone stressed the district’s mission. “The Board of Education, the school district, is not a for-profit entity. This is a public school system, and the focus and purpose of the school district is to educate children to the best of their abilities,” he said. Cipollone encouraged the Board of Finance to take a more active role in identifying long-term revenue sources.

The next regular meeting of the New Fairfield Board of Education is scheduled for Thursday, January 15 at 7 p.m.