A Message from Superintendent Dr. Estrella: Response to City Council’s Amended FY2026-27 Total Appropriations
A Message from Superintendent Dr. Estrella: Response to City Council’s Amended FY2026-27 Total Appropriations
NPS Communications
Dear NPS Community,
We are nearing the end of the budget process, but the next few days are critical for us to receive the funding necessary to avoid cuts that could directly impact students and staff.
On April 28, the Norwalk City Council exercised its right to vote on an amendment to increase the total appropriations for the City of Norwalk’s FY2026-27 operating budget from the cap set by the Board of Estimate & Taxation on April 22. By a two-thirds vote, the City Council approved the resolution that could provide the Norwalk Board of Education with a 4.5% increase.
Thank you to all of those who emailed City Council members (it was reported 70 emails were received) and those who spoke at the meeting on Tuesday. Your advocacy and support have been instrumental throughout this process in securing the necessary funds for our students, educators and schools.
The decision on the final FY2026-27 Operating Budget returns to the BET next week, and we’re urging our community to reach out to BET members and implore them to support and approve this 4.5% increase in its final vote.
To BET contact members, please visit the Board of Estimate & Taxation website and click the “Email All Members” button.
The Board of Education will work diligently to reduce its originally proposed budget increase from 6.5% to 4.5%, a reduction of approximately $4.8 million. Addressing the remaining gap will require difficult decisions. Potential reductions may include non wage related cuts at the school level, as well as staffing and service reductions at the district level, both of which could impact services that support our students. Additionally, the board is also working to address an unprecedented increase in employee health insurance costs.
As part of this process, the BOE is also factoring in anticipated additional revenue from the state. We are hopeful that any increase in state funding will help minimize the impact on our schools.
The Norwalk Board of Education remains committed to providing the services, resources, and opportunities our students need and deserve to succeed.
Yours In Partnership,
Dr. Alexandra Estrella
Superintendent of Norwalk Public Schools