By Cherry Dumaual

NEW FAIRFIELD — At the New Fairfield Board of Education’s September 18TH regular meeting, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kristine Woleck presented the 2024–25 standardized testing report. It showed strong results across grade levels. At the high school, nearly 73% of students earned passing scores on AP exams, while juniors posted some of the highest SAT scores in five years in both reading/writing and math, placing New Fairfield in the top 20% of high schools statewide.

At the elementary and middle school levels, more grades reached or exceeded 70% proficiency in English language arts, reflecting steady improvement in reading and writing. Math scores also showed growth, though the transition from fifth to sixth grade remains an area of focus. In science, students posted their best results in five years, with 72% of fifth graders and 74% of eighth graders meeting or exceeding state benchmarks.

Nearly 100% of students participated in the assessments, including those in high-needs and special education populations, ensuring that the results reflect the progress of all students in the district.

Dr. Woleck noted that while standardized tests are important, they represent only one piece of a much broader picture of learning. “We are committed to a vision of a learner that seeks to grow our students to be knowledgeable scholars, talented communicators, critical and creative thinkers, engaged global citizens and self-determined, self-reliant individuals,” she said. She added that the district remains committed to continuous improvement, with ongoing efforts to strengthen curriculum, support smooth grade-level transitions, and ensure that every student has the tools to succeed.

Latest on Bus Lot, Playground, and Propane

The regular meeting agenda included an update from Mr. Scott Pellman, RA, associate director at Colliers International, about the bus lot project, propane, and elementary playground. The bus lot is anticipated to commence construction by late spring or early summer next year, with zoning approvals required.

As for the elementary playground, repairs are nearly complete. The new surface is scheduled to be installed next week, followed by a two-week safety testing period. If all goes as planned, the playground should reopen for students by mid-October.

Pellman addressed another infrastructure issue, the propane in the science labs. He said that the district has the final expert report on the propane odor issue and has drafted a corrective action letter, now under review by the town attorney. In short, the issue remains unresolved for now, but the district is seeking to ensure that corrective work is done at the contractor’s expense and that a permanent solution is implemented as soon as possible.

Attendance, Community Read, and Office Move

At this BOE regular meeting, Dr. Craw shared encouraging news about both student and staff attendance. Student chronic absenteeism dropped to just over 8% last year, and staff attendance rose from 92% to 96%. Craw stressed that these gains are critical, noting that “there is no replacement for teachers, paraprofessionals, and students being there on a daily basis, engaging with one another.”

The district also launched a new community initiative this fall: a town-wide read of “The Anxious Generation.” The effort builds on last year’s work around student wellness, including parent sessions on anxiety, social conflict, and cell phone use. Families, staff, and community members are invited to read the book — or connect through TED Talks and podcasts. All are encouraged to join conversations about these important topics throughout the fall. Copies are available at the New Fairfield Public Library, with staff discussions already underway. The hope is that by midwinter, the community will come together to consider collective actions to better support students.

Moving All Administrative Offices to New Space

The NF BOE approved phase two of relocating administrative offices to the middle school. The goal is to centralize offices that have long been scattered across campus, improving efficiency, communication, and leadership presence in schools. Much of the work will be done cost-effectively — reusing furniture, using in-house staff for electrical work, and applying savings from other projects. Construction is expected to begin later this fall, with some departments moving in by winter and the full transition completed by next summer.

Dr. Craw explained why the move matters for staff and students alike: “When I call a meeting of my team now, people have to travel across campus, and that takes away time. By being together in one space, communication and collaboration become more efficient, and we can better support the schools. To make the best decisions for students, we need to be in the schools on a regular basis—and this move strengthens our ability to do that.”

The next regular meeting of the New Fairfield Board of Education is scheduled for Tuesday, September 30, at 7 p.m.