Fairfax Board of School Directors Meeting Summary
Monday, December 8, 2025

Board Member Vacancy

The Board reviewed a letter of interest from Scott Mitchell to fill the current vacancy. Given the importance of maintaining quorum and his prior nine years of board experience, the Board voted unanimously (3–0) to appoint Scott Mitchell to serve the remainder of the term through Town Meeting Day on March 3, 2026.

Construction Update & Open House

An update was provided on the remaining construction punch list items. A community Open House is scheduled for January 15, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, to showcase building improvements.

Act 73 Update

Superintendent John Tague provided an update on Act 73 and state-level discussions, including the Redistricting Task Force’s recommendation against new district maps and in favor of a BOCES-style shared services model. The Board discussed ongoing uncertainty around legislative direction, tax impacts, and lack of predictability between local spending and tax rates.
Staffing ratios, class sizes, and per-pupil spending were reviewed, showing Fairfax to be in alignment with state expectations.

FY27 School Budget – Initial Discussion

Business Manager Randy Morton presented the proposed FY27 budget. Key points included:

• Total expenditures of approximately $22.9 million (1.99% per-pupil increase)

• Special education costs are increasing due to service needs and staffing

• Rising insurance, salary, and operational costs across programs
  Board members requested additional budget scenarios and contingency options, emphasizing the need to balance fiscal responsibility with maintaining student services and community affordability.

Joint Meeting with Legislative Delegation

The Board discussed an upcoming joint meeting with the Franklin County Legislative Delegation and area school boards. Chair Emily Aiken will draft a statement reflecting Board concerns for circulation and feedback.

Continuous Improvement & Data

Administrators shared student performance data, professional development efforts in literacy and math, tutoring initiatives, and ongoing attention to student mental health supports.

Policy Review – First Reading

The Board began review of several outdated policies, including:

• CL 42: Foreign Exchange Student Admission

• CL 43: HIPAA

• CL 52: Student Tuition Payment

• CL 53: Grade 12 Tuition Waivers

These policies will return for second reading on January 12, 2026.

Upcoming Meetings

• January 12, 2026 – Regular Meeting

• February 9, 2026 – Regular Meeting

• Town & School Meeting will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, at BFA Fairfax Elementary School.