By Cherry Dumaual

NEW FAIRFIELD — The New Fairfield Board of Education (BOE) met on May 21st via Zoom for its regular session with an agenda that covered the school budget, strategic plan progress, AI (Artificial Intelligence), central office move and operational benefits.

In his Chairman’s Report, Dominic Cipollone reflected on volunteerism and what it means in the NF community.

“My fellow board members, we’re all volunteers, and sometimes the public needs to understand what volunteers do for our community, whether it’s on a board, whether it’s in a parent association, whether it’s just helping people out, it really is the fabric of our community, and I think we should all understand that people give their time and energy and effort, and it’s important to show gratitude for our volunteers in this community.”

Dr. Kenneth Craw then delivered his Superintendent’s Report, first thanking the community and the board for their involvement in the budget process. He said the budget’s approval on the first vote was significant and noted that the district is already planning for next year and working to ensure a successful start to the school year. He added that completing the budget process now makes that work possible.

He referenced hiring, “In particular, I can’t impress upon everyone enough that being able to hire early allows us to continue to attract talented staff, so that was one thing I did want to highlight.”

Year-End Progress Report on School District’s Strategic Plan

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kristine Woleck delivered the year-end progress report on the district’s strategic plan focused on curriculum, instruction, and wellness. Highlights include:

A completed New Fairfield Public Schools Curriculum Design Handbook and a district curriculum blueprint that is both public-facing and maintainable.

Expanded classroom practices emphasizing hands-on learning, lab work, group problem-solving, and engineering design practices — especially visible in science and STEAM classes. Dr. Woleck shared students’ impressions that learning is now “helping them understand concepts instead of just memorizing them.”

Districtwide systems for data-informed instruction: teachers are using data protocols and developing tier-one action plans that target support within the classroom.

Social-emotional learning (SEL) and digital wellness: the district developed a K–12 progression of SEL skills and a mapped progression for digital literacy/digital wellness.

Dr. Woleck framed the work in terms of durable student skills. “These are the durable dispositions and skills that our students need more than ever,” she said, noting that instruction is being shaped to build communication, critical thinking, and self-determination.

School District’s Thoughtful Approach for AI

An engrossing discussion about AI during Dr. Woleck’s presentation followed when board member Susan Huwer asked what teachers think of artificial intelligence and how they get kids to independently and not automatically resort to using AI.

Dr. Woleck emphasized a thoughtful approach. The district has an AI workgroup, which involves students and staff in guided learning, and stresses critical evaluation of AI output.

She explained, “I think all of us have mixed emotions about AI, but we are growing in our understanding of it. That’s been the work that our AI work group has undertaken, bringing a group together that helps us study AI, think about it, and then offer opportunities for our staff to grow in their understanding. Having our students at the high school be a part of these conversations has helped … we need to help our students understand how they can use these AI tools in an ethical way that enhances learning.”

Dr. Woleck continued, “There are some really valuable opportunities where AI can help us think about problems and dilemmas in this world in a way that we couldn’t otherwise do, but we have to help our students see those possibilities and learn to ask questions, learn to be critical in their analysis of what AI gives them. We are helping them understand that not everything that comes from AI is perfect and it requires human judgment … that’s been the piece that we’re emphasizing, that human connection and that human judgment is at the heart of any work that we do with AI. It is a wonderful tool, but you have to use it with understanding and with human judgment.”

Chair Cipollone shared his thoughts, “AI is a tool, like anything else, that has to be learned, how to be used properly, effectively…So I’m bullish on AI, as long as it’s used properly and effectively, and with guardrails. To assume that our kids aren’t using it is silly, but to make sure that they use it properly when they get into college and pursue a career. Having that in their tool belt will serve them.”

Central Office Move and Operational Benefits

The school district is consolidating central office staff into space adjacent to the middle school at 70 Gillotti Road, with a target of full operations beginning July 1.

Director of Business and Operations Carrie DePuy explained the move was driven in part by a need to reclaim classroom space at the middle school and to improve collaboration among departments: having HR, technology, special-education administration, and district leaders co-located will “help us with collaboration” and operational efficiencies, she said. The annex will be returned to the town after the move.

The next regular meeting of the New Fairfield Board of Education is scheduled for Thursday, June 4, 7 p.m. Residents may attend BOE regular meetings in person or watch recordings available on the district website.