Some notable moments highlighted the start of the new school year in North Branford when school began on Aug. 30, said Superintendent of Schools Scott Schoonmaker.

Among them was the entrance of the North Branford High School (NBHS) Class of 2027. The freshmen are not only the first 9th graders to start their school year at the new NBHS academic building, which opened in April, but will go on to be the first class to graduate after four years in the new facility.

Currently, the second phase of the NBHS building project is under construction.

Phase 2 will include a two-story building with academic spaces, a gymnasium, locker rooms, and other support spaces. Site improvements will include new parking lots, grading, practice field, lighting, new utilities, new driveways, and landscaping. The total NBHS project cost of $70,331,996 will boil down to a Town cost of $59 million after 43.93% state reimbursement of total eligible costs.

Working around the completion of the building project in Phase 2 and providing the flexibility to go to other locations for sporting events and indoor activities “...is a big part of our year,” said Schoonmaker.

NBHS is on a campus area, including North Branford Intermediate School (NBIS). NBIS started the school year under the building leadership of interim principal Carter Welch, Ed.D., who will continue serving the district as Director of Curriculum and Instruction. Former NBIS principal Keith O’Rourke left the post to take a new role as principal of Seymour Middle School.

North Branford Public Schools (NBPS) are fully staffed for certified positions to start the new year, said Schoonmaker. The district is currently looking to fill two paraprofessional positions.

“Knowing that many districts in Connecticut are challenged with shortages and vacancies, we are in outstanding shape for staffing,” said Schoonmaker.

Schoonmaker gathered faculty and staff last week for Convocation with the theme “Teaching and Learning Begins with the Heart.”

“Our successes will come from our connections with the children,” said Schoonmaker.

In addition to the concept’s socio-emotional aspect, connections will also be made through “...the learning initiatives Dr. Welch has been working on with all of our staff,” said Schoonmaker.

With principal Elizabeth Parker on maternity leave, Jerome Harrison Elementary School begins the academic school year with faculty member Colleen Stankewich serving as interim principal.

On Aug. 30, Schoonmaker joined Stankewich to help greet students arriving by bus and via the school’s family vehicle drop-off lane.

“I’m just so glad they’re finally back. I’m so excited,” said Stankewich.

Schoonmaker was outside to greet all NBPS students as they arrived at each of the town’s schools for the opening bell on Aug. 30. He was joined once again this year by representatives of North Branford Police Department, including Chief Kevin Halloran and Deputy Chief James Lovelace.

“It’s been an incredible start,” said Schoonmaker of the first-day drop-offs. “In my 14 years, I think it’s the smoothest that I’ve seen. Considering that we have a building project and construction going on at the middle school and high school, it was seamless. The parents knew what to do, the kids knew what to do, and our staff was ready and prepared.”