Fairfield Graduation Uncertainty: 'None Of Us Signed Up For This'

FAIRFIELD, CT — An intense school board discussion Tuesday made one thing clear. When it comes to graduation, the district’s philosophy is, “safety first.”

Seniors in Fairfield are set to graduate in three weeks, according to the district calendar. But the details of when and how graduation will take place remain uncertain as officials work to balance public health concerns related to the coronavirus outbreak with the community’s desire for a traditional ceremony.

“We all want to give these students the graduation that they want. We all think that they deserve the traditional graduation. None of us signed up for this,” Chairwoman Christine Vitale said, but later added that, “… To downplay the potential risk, I think, is irresponsible.”

The headmasters of Fairfield’s two high schools announced in mid-May that a massive car caravan would replace graduation, but Superintendent Mike Cummings has since said the district is reconsidering its options. Other possibilities include a drive-up graduation, with a line of cars in front of a stage, or a more traditional ceremony later in the summer or fall. The state currently prohibits gatherings of more than five people as a precaution against transmission of the virus, which has been connected to more than 3,700 Connecticut deaths in less than three months.

“If you wait too long then you might end up with nothing,” Secretary Jessica Gerber said. “… I just feel like we’re in this weird kind of limbo.”

After meeting recently with graduation committees, holding virtual town halls and conducting surveys, the headmasters of Fairfield Warde and Fairfield Ludlowe high schools are working with town officials to get plans for graduation approved, according to Warde Headmaster Paul Cavanna.

“We look forward to sharing more details as the town approves them,” Ludlowe Headmaster Greg Hatzis said, adding it’s possible the two high schools will have different approaches to graduation based on the input of their respective communities.

Gerber asked if a decision in New Jersey to allow outdoor graduation ceremonies starting July 6 could affect Connecticut’s position. Cummings was not optimistic, adding the state is concerned emotional graduates could exit their cars and hug each other or shake hands.

“You don’t want a graduation ceremony to be a hotspot,” Vitale said.

Board member Jennifer Maxon-Kennelly responded that she felt officials were underestimating residents’ ability to show self-control and added she would prefer something closer to a traditional ceremony with social distancing and a limited audience.

“My job is to follow the medical advice of the people who advise the school system,” Cummings said. “… I cannot in good conscience not listen to people who know better than I do.”

Cummings also noted the district had to consider the liability of whatever type of graduation officials choose.

Vice Chairman Nick Aysseh said he had seen teens in town riding their bikes together and using playground equipment at parks in violation of safety protocol, while Gerber noted that depending on what graduation looks like, students with immunocompromised relatives might not be able to attend.

“There is nothing — nothing — I would rather have than some semblance of a normal type of graduation ceremony, but I also am respectful of the rules and guidelines,” she said.