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Superintendent reports smooth school opening, 27 new certified hires and increased SRO coverage
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Freeman told the Guilford Board that schools opened smoothly Sept. 3, buses ran on time, all certified positions were filled before students arrived, and the district increased full-time school resource officers from one to three. Enrollment numbers show a smaller kindergarten class than projected (180), and Open Choice enrollment from New Haven totaled one student this year.
Superintendent Dr. Freeman told the Guilford Board of Education on Sept. 9 that the 2024–25 school year opened smoothly and without major logistical issues. Convocation in August brought all staff together; certified teaching positions were filled before the first student day, and transportation ran on schedule during the opening week.
Dr. Freeman said the district hired 27 new certified staff members this year and noted the addition of three full-time school resource officers, up from one last year. "We have increased from one full-time SRO to three full-time school resource officers this year," Dr. Freeman said, thanking Guilford police for supporting planning and convocation activities.
On enrollment, Dr. Freeman reported 180 kindergarten registrations — below the roughly 200 the district expected — and said the district held back a budgeted section rather than immediately adding an unbudgeted teaching position. Average elementary class size (K–4) stood at about 17.3 students, with the single largest classroom at 23. The administration also reported one student enrolled this year through Connecticut’s Open Choice from New Haven and said staff will study strategies (including possible shared transportation and outreach) to boost those numbers in future years.
Dr. Freeman introduced two administrative interns, including Dr. Kyrie Fletcher, identified as the curriculum director in the Old Saybrook School District, who will support district work while completing superintendent certification. Several newly hired teachers introduced themselves during the meeting.
