Skip To Main Content

Header Wrap

Logo Image

Breadcrumb

January '25 Message from the Superintendent

January '25 Message from the Superintendent
Dr. Alexandra Estrella

Dear NPS Community,

I hope this message finds you well and that you enjoyed a relaxing winter break with family and friends. The start of the new year offers an opportunity to recharge and approach the coming months with renewed focus and energy.

As we enter 2025, I want to acknowledge that this time has not been without its challenges. Over the past few weeks, my team and I have worked tirelessly to finalize the Superintendent’s Recommended Budget for the upcoming school year. In doing so, we’ve already had to make some difficult decisions to reduce our budget request to $255.96 million including a net reduction of 14 Central Office positions. An additional $1.2 million in reductions is currently under review.

These changes are not made lightly, as they directly impact the individuals and programs that contribute to the success of our schools.

Unfortunately, we anticipate more tough decisions in the coming weeks. However, I remain hopeful that the city will recognize the importance of our request for a 9.7% increase to the budget from last year. This funding is essential to preserving our dedicated team of teachers and staff, and maintaining the critical programs and resources that support student success.

Without this increase, the impact of additional cuts could be significant, affecting not only our classrooms but also the opportunities we work so hard to provide for all our scholars. I trust that the city will join us in prioritizing education as the foundation for a brighter future for our community.

I want to express my gratitude to the Board of Education for their thoughtful review and approval of the budget, which reflects our shared commitment to supporting our students and staff during these challenging times.

As the budget process continues, I kindly ask for your continued advocacy and support. Together, we can make a strong case for the funding necessary to serve our students effectively and sustain the high quality of education our community deserves.

As we prepare for the 2025-26 school year, I’m excited to welcome the families who will be joining our community this fall at the upcoming Elementary School Showcase on Thursday, Jan. 30. This event is a highlight of the year, where our elementary schools proudly display their unique offerings—from neighborhood schools to programs specializing in arts, marine science, or bilingual education. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to explore which school will best support their child’s growth and learning.

I also encourage you to join us for the Celebrate the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. event on Monday, Jan. 20. This annual celebration is a powerful reminder of Dr. King’s enduring impact on civil rights and his vision of a brighter, more equitable future. It’s always inspiring to see our students and staff honor his legacy through their talents and dedication.

As we navigate these challenging times, I am deeply grateful for the compassion, collaboration, and dedication that define our community. Your feedback is always welcome as we work together to make decisions that best serve our students and staff.

Let’s continue to support one another, and I look forward to what we can achieve together in 2025.

Stay warm, and I wish you all a fantastic start to the new year!

Yours in Partnership,

Dr. Alexandra Estrella
Superintendent of Norwalk Public Schools