Superintendent: outreach and 'Coffee & Conversation' aimed at bolstering enrollment

Superintendent David Caruso told the Bolton Financing Committee that a recent Coffee & Conversation drew roughly 30 people in person and about 10 online and produced questions focused on school value, enrollment and district direction.

Caruso described active outreach to Horace Porter School and its superintendent, offering tours and communications targeted at families in nearby communities to ensure Bolton High School remains in families’ consideration set amid more local options such as Ram High School, EO Smith and other regional choices. He said enrollment choices matter to town revenue and that the district is increasing direct outreach and promotional efforts (including principal-distributed flyers and a proposed promotional video).

Committee members supported placing printed meeting schedules and school highlights in the senior center and public library to reach residents who do not use the web. Several members praised a flyer Principal Miceli had produced and suggested the district and town coordinate messaging to demonstrate educational value and community benefits, including sports and AP offerings. Caruso offered to provide one‑page summaries of Coffee & Conversation highlights for broader posting.

Members noted that closing the high school would not immediately eliminate related costs and referenced a past study (when Kristen Hecht was superintendent) that found closure could cost the town more rather than less because the town would still be responsible for educating students and maintaining the facility. The committee asked staff to prepare materials the public can use to better understand budget trade-offs and to help show the value the schools provide.