Saying he looks forward to the "challenges that await," Superintendent of Schools Scott Schoonmaker feels North Branford Public Schools are poised to succeed during the 2016-17 school year.

Schoonmaker shared his remarks during Convocation at North Branford Intermediate School (NBIS) on August 25. The event reunited district staff in preparation for the start of the new school year on Monday, August 29.  Among those gathered were the district's seven new teachers and a new building substitute, hired to fill open positions including two at NBIS and six at NBHS.

"It's with great excitement we kick off the 2016-17 school year," said Schoonmaker. "I personally look forward to the many challenges that await us, knowing that our past successes have prepared us well for our task at hand."

Last spring, Schoonmaker and the BOE adjusted this year's budget to meet an approximate year-to-year school budget increase of $465,000, rather than a requested increase of some $1.2 million.

"We (had) to come together to fill a large gap in the budget," Schoonmaker told those gathered on August 25.  "I think they did a remarkable job keeping teaching and teachers in the forefront of all of our decision making. That was our number one goal: to retain class sizes at an optimal level and keep our teaching staff intact, so we would not lose programs (and) that will continue to be our goal. I do not have a crystal ball; I do not know what the future holds. I know we keep hearing rumblings of more difficult years (so) we're going to ask to do more with less. And we're going to rely on your abilities to come together collectively, as you've done, and work together to make this happen."

Adjustments included cutting a proposed school librarian position at Jerome Harrison Elementary School (JHS), eliminating four teaching positions and cutting out a proposed literacy coach for grades 6 – 12.  Additional cuts were made to remove four paraprofessional positions and one custodial position. Requests for new athletic uniforms were eliminated and certified staff tuition reimbursement was reduced by 60 percent (to be provided on a first-come, first-served basis). Modifications were also made to health insurance, communications and energy expenses. In addition, the school calendar was altered, removing one professional development day and one student day.

But perhaps most notably to parents, for the first time, students participating in middle school and high school level sports will pay an activity fee this year. NBIS athletes will pay $50, NBHS athletes will pay $75. Fees are capped at $300 per family and fee waivers are available to students in need so that all students can participate. The $67,000 expense saved by adding the new fees allows the district to avoid cutting one more certified staff member.  See the full story on the activity fee here

Most importantly, said Schoonmaker on August 25, the district has managed to keep intact classroom sizes and educational programming.  As a district, this year's focus will be on three areas: Teaching and Learning; Facility and Upkeep and Increased Communication.

"These areas coordinate with our strategic plan that we are currently in the process of revising and updating," said Schoonmaker.

For Teaching and Learning, the district will look at academic rigor, as well as an expansion of offerings to students at NBIS, in preparation for their eventual transition to the high school.

"Our continuous efforts to align the schedules between the buildings [NBIS and NBHS] will provide continuity and opportunities to share staff and resources," said Schoonmaker.

He noted the district's extensive professional development opportunities, which focus on reaching all students and identifying needs, has "already paid great dividends" seen in a preliminary review of this year's SBAC scores.

"Through a focused plan, grounded in research, we're able to identify student needs and take corrective action in all students' educational plans," Schoonmaker told the district's teachers. "I commend you for your efforts and the buy-in to make this happen. We'll look to expand coaching resources at the middle school level, depending upon our ability to fund these positions. The K-5 coaches have proven to be beneficial to our elementary level learners and staff."

Building cleanliness and maintenance will continue to be a priority in all four of the town's academic buildings, including streamlining the request reporting process and following up on completions. To increase communication with the community and local media, the district will be spotlighting schools on a rotating basis and sharing accomplishments and accolades as a district.

Schoonmaker also noted the "incredible impact" the district's professionals have provided through efforts to connect positively with students.

"For many of our students, we are the most positive and stable influences in their lives," said Schoonmaker. "Never underestimate your impact in the shaping and molding of our youth. There's never been a greater need to connect with our students in times that are so confusing and unpredictable. Thank you for your positive impact you've made in the lives of all of our children in North Branford; and by you, I mean every individual employed by North Branford Public Schools."