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New Milford reports slight enrollment decline, staffing activity and free‑meals coverage through Dec. 21
Summary
Superintendent Janet Parlato reported the district is down 35 students year‑over‑year, staffing activity remains high ahead of the school year, and the district will offer free breakfast and lunch under the Community Eligibility Provision through Dec. 21, 2025, while reviewing pricing and program status in November.
Superintendent Janet Parlato told the New Milford Board of Education on Aug. 19 that district enrollment is down by 35 students compared with the prior year and that October counts will provide a firmer year‑to‑year comparison.
Dr. Parlato reviewed an active employment report and said the district has some temporary coverage in place while recruiting permanent hires; she specifically noted a new central registration hire to centralize residency checks and support state reporting. Board members asked for clarification about internal transfers and pay; Dr. Parlato explained pay generally remains unchanged when teachers remain on the same contract step.
On food service, Dr. Parlato and Anthony Giovannone said the district is operating under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and will provide free breakfast and lunch through Dec. 21, 2025. Staff noted the district’s food‑service fund has been self‑sustaining and that the program’s status (and any change to paid status) will be reviewed in November ahead of potential changes in January 2026. A board member noted concerns about food waste when students take milk they do not drink; staff said districts use donation carts and other methods to reduce waste.
Board members and administrators said they will continue to monitor enrollment, staffing and food‑service finances and report back to the board in subsequent meetings.
