Dear Bloomfield Community,
This morning, I learned through social media posts that there may be some confusion surrounding the upcoming district consolidation and the closing of Carmen Arace Intermediate School (CAIS). I apologize for any miscommunication and believe this letter will clarify the details of CAIS closing at the end of this school year, as well as explain the benefits for our students, families and the community at large.
As I have previously shared in our District Newsletter, at multiple Board of Education meetings, during my December presentation to the Town Council, within the 2026-2027 Budget Book and through direct communication with our current 4th grade families, beginning in 2026-2027, Metacomet Elementary School will house students in grades 3-5, and Carmen Arace Middle School will house students in grades 6-8. These changes are in direct response to the district’s declining enrollment, our desire to more efficiently use resources and our commitment to improve academic and social-emotional outcomes for our students. Through these new grade-level groupings, we will eliminate one transition for our students and simultaneously create learning environments that are better suited to address the specific developmental needs of students in grades 3-5 and 6-8. In addition, this move provides the district with the ability to relocate our Board of Education offices into the Arace building, further reducing the overhead costs associated with operating these offices in a separate location. I am hopeful that this move will naturally increase funds available for our students.
The district has been working behind the scenes to ensure a smooth transition for all students and staff involved in the closing of Carmen Arace Intermediate School. While there are many changes for staff to work through, the only grade level that will experience a change from what was previously in place are the current 4th graders. These students will be the first to experience 5th grade within Metacomet Elementary School.
Starting in August of 2026, Bloomfield Public Schools will be set up as follows:
Wintonbury Early Childhood Magnet School
44 Brown Street
Principal: Samantha Straker
Grade Level: Pre-K
Lottery Based Enrollment: Regional School Choice Office (RSCO)
Laurel Literacy Academy
1 Filley Street
Principal: Jennifer Dwyer
Grade Levels: Pre-K-2nd Grade
Enrollment: Bloomfield residents
Metacomet Elementary School
185 School Street
Principal: Paul Guzzo
Grade Levels: 3rd-5th Grade
Enrollment: Bloomfield residents
Carmen Arace Middle School
390 Park Avenue
Principal: Diana Bunting
Director of Operations: Anjanee Wright
Grade Levels: 6th-8th Grade
Enrollment: Bloomfield residents
Bloomfield High School
5 Huckleberry Lane
Principal: Jesse White
Assistant Principal: Brenda Niemitz
Grade Levels: 9th-12th
Enrollment: Bloomfield residents*
*The Donald F. Harris Agri-Science & Technology Center is available to students from other districts who pay tuition.
Bloomfield’s Alternative Learning Center
44 Griffin Road South
Director of Alternative Programs & Community Partnerships: Laura Curley-Colon
Grade Levels: 6th-12th
Enrollment: Bloomfield residents who meet entrance criteria*
*Bloomfield’s Alternative Learning Center will eventually be available to students from other districts who pay tuition.
In closing, I appreciate your patience as we work through some necessary changes that are designed to ensure we are providing all students, Pre-K-12, with high-quality learning experiences each and every day. I encourage you to reach out with any questions at tyoungberg@blmfld.org or (860) 769-4211. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Tracy A. Youngberg
Superintendent of Schools