Superintendent unveils strategic plan to stem enrollment loss, proposes 'schools within a school' pathways

Superintendent Chris presented a strategic-plan proposal to the Old Saybrook School District board on Dec. 9, warning that the district has lost roughly 50 students year-over-year and that a targeted set of program and facility changes is needed to reverse the trend.

Chris told the board the loss is concentrated in the transition from eighth to ninth grade: “From October 1 our official enrollment last year to October 1 this year, we lost 50 students… 18% of our kids that were across the parking lot in grade eight chose not to go down the road to Old Saybrook High School.” He framed the problem as part structural and part competitive, noting that students now have more choices—including regional technical schools and specialized programs—and said the district must respond with clearer, career-connected offerings.

The superintendent outlined three priorities: (1) redesign high-school programming into distinct pathways (business, health/medical, STEM/technology, arts and career/technical options) so students can pursue stacked credentials or change direction; (2) make selective facility and cosmetic investments (paint, signage, furniture, targeted HVAC fixes and improvements to athletics and performance spaces) to improve first impressions; and (3) accelerate course approvals so new offerings can appear in the catalog for fall 2026. He recommended a “school‑within‑a‑school” model that would allow students to focus earlier on career and college pathways while preserving flexibility.

Chris described concrete near-term measures: some course proposals already exist on his desk (examples included an EMT/allied-health pathway and principles of marketing), robotics and musical theater expansions at the middle school, and small capital improvements such as repainting entranceways and refreshing library and team-room spaces. He stressed that some changes require board policy action—“I can't create a course and approve it. You do”—and asked the board to decide by January so counselors can include new options in course selection for eighth graders and incoming freshmen.

Board members and student representatives responded with support and operational questions. Student speaker Nico Sylvie said the proposals “make me think this school can be so much more,” praising pathway and facility ideas that would make classrooms and extracurriculars feel more inviting. Several board members emphasized concern for middle- and elementary-school students and asked administration to ensure Goodwin and the middle school are included in planning.

After discussion, a board member moved to approve the plan as presented; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously. The superintendent said the next steps are to supply the board with finalized course proposals and budget implications ahead of the January timeline so the board can act on course approvals and budget priorities.

What comes next: the superintendent will return in January with finalized course proposals, estimated costs and a recommended sequence of facility and program investments. If the board endorses the packet, course approvals would be submitted to the course catalog in time for student scheduling for fall 2026.