By Cherry Dumaual

NEW FAIRFIELD — New Fairfield Public Schools is preparing for the 2026–27 school year with all classroom teaching positions filled, 17 new educators joining the district and a new principal leading New Fairfield High School.

At its Aug. 13 regular meeting, the Board of Education received a series of back-to-school updates, including reports on staffing, special education funding, the New Fairfield Middle School facilities study, and the bus lot project.

Vice Chair Samantha Mannion, leading the meeting in Chair Dominic Cipollone’s absence, thanked district employees for a productive summer.

“I think we’re in a really good place to start the school year,” Mannion said, citing progress on building and facilities projects as well as staffing.

She also welcomed newly appointed board member Joanne Tolles, who was selected over the summer to fill a board vacancy, returning the BOE to its full complement of members.

Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Craw reported that all classroom teaching positions have been filled for the start of school. Seventeen new educators participated in the district’s two-day new-teacher induction program, while administrators, office staff, and the grounds crew have been working throughout the summer to prepare for students’ return.

Dr. Craw said the district’s theme as the school year begins is “reconnecting,” with an emphasis on strengthening relationships among students, teachers, families, and educators.

“In this highly technological age with a lot of changes, connecting with others, the human side is more important than ever,” Dr. Craw said.

New High School Principal

The board also welcomed Dr. Katherine Blore, the new principal of New Fairfield High School.

Dr. Craw said Dr. Blore comes to the district with seven years of experience as a principal in the Farmington school system and praised the energy and enthusiasm she has already brought to New Fairfield.

Dr. Blore said she was attracted to New Fairfield’s small-community environment and has received a warm welcome from students, educators, and administrators. She also pointed to the opportunity to support students’ growth throughout their years in New Fairfield schools.

“Students begin their journey in New Fairfield as Rebels and end as Rebels,” Dr. Blore said, calling it “an amazing opportunity to show some great growth over time in their pre-K through 12 experience.”

Special Education Funding

The board received an update on the district’s 2025–26 budget, including funds provided by the town for anticipated special education expenses.

Approximately $18,000 is expected to be returned to the town, although about $40,000 is being held temporarily in case additional expenses are received before the final audit is completed. District officials said the final amount returned could be somewhat higher.

The discussion turned to state special education grants after officials reported that New Fairfield was not selected in the first round for funding sought for its bridge program.

District officials said New Fairfield also unsuccessfully applied for two other special education grants involving mental health support.

Several board members questioned why the district had not received funding, particularly when nearby districts including Brookfield, Ridgefield. and Newtown were among those receiving grants.

Dr. Craw said the district is contacting state officials to learn more about the decisions.

“We obviously demonstrated a significant need last year,” Dr. Craw said. “We built a program, and we’re extremely disappointed that we didn’t receive any funding.”

He said district officials are not aware of factors that would have excluded New Fairfield from consideration and will seek additional information from the state before reporting back to the board.

Facilities Projects Moving Ahead

The district is also proceeding with a comprehensive facilities condition study of New Fairfield Middle School.

An on-site evaluation was scheduled to begin the day after the BOE meeting. Specialists will examine the building with assistance from district maintenance employees, whose familiarity with the facility will help with the review.

A committee is being formed to examine the findings before the formal presentation. BOE members and representatives of the Permanent Building Committee and town are expected to be invited to participate. The findings are anticipated to be presented to the board in October.

The bus lot project is moving forward as well. The PBC voted to put the project out to bid, with the bid package expected to be released within the next few weeks. Officials said regaining use of the lot will be particularly helpful for youth programs and parking.

The board also unanimously approved its Aug. 13 personnel report. During the discussion, members asked for a future general overview of employee departures and the reasons staff members leave the district, without discussing individual employees.

Looking ahead, BOE members plan to participate in New Fairfield Day on Sept. 26. The board expects to have a table at the community event and is considering activities to encourage families to stop by.

The next regular meeting of the New Fairfield Board of Education is scheduled for Thursday, September 17, at 7 p.m. Residents may attend BOE regular meetings in person or watch recordings available on the district website.