NPS Receives ASBO Award for Excellence in Budget Presentation

The Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) has recognized Norwalk Public Schools for excellence in budget presentation with the Meritorious Budget Award (MBA) for fiscal year 2023-2024.

In order to receive the budget award, the budget document for Norwalk Public Schools had to satisfy the nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. The guidelines are designed to assess how well the budget serves as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide and a communications device.

• a policy document
• a financial plan
• an operations guide
• a communications device

“We continue to heed the call from the community to be transparent in our financial reporting for the district. That commitment is reflected in this award, and I’m grateful for the leadership of Norwalk Public Schools’ and our Board of Education for their support in our pursuit of excellence in financial reporting,” said Lunda Asmani, the Chief Financial Officer of Norwalk Public Schools. “This award is also a celebration of our students, teachers and staff who contribute to the shared success of Norwalk Public Schools.”

The NPS Finance Department has worked diligently with all district, city and school leaders to meet the performance challenges of responsible and responsive financial reporting.

“Congratulations to Lunda and his team for once again creating a comprehensive and transparent presentation of the budget,” said Dr. Alexandra Estrella, Superintendent of Norwalk Public Schools. “The Finance Department faced an incredibly difficult task in developing the FY 2023-24 operating budget due to expiring federal relief funds and increasing inflationary pressures, and I’m very proud of their commitment in navigating those challenges to ensure our scholars receive the best education in Norwalk.”

“The Norwalk Board of Education thanks and congratulates the Finance Department for their continued excellence in developing and presenting a comprehensive budget that reflects the key priorities of our strategic plan. Our work in planning for the future of this district and improving the quality of education for our students is made easier by their fine work,” said Diana Carpio, chair of the Norwalk Board of Education.

ASBO International’s MBA programs promote and recognize excellence in school budget presentation. Program participation enhances school business officials’ skills in developing, analyzing and presenting a school system budget.

Participants submit their budget documents to a panel of school financial professionals who review the materials for compliance with the MBA Criteria Checklist and other requirements and provide expert feedback that districts can use to improve future budget documents.

Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other entities and throughout the United States and Canada.

ASBO International COO/Interim Executive Director Siobhán McMahon, CAE explains “by participating in the programs, districts demonstrate their commitment to upholding nationally recognized budget presentation standards.”

“ASBO International’s MBA program provides school districts with tools and resources to develop a high-quality, easy-to-understand budget to share the district’s goals and objectives internally and with the community,” McMahon said.

Founded in 1910, Association of School Business Officials International is a nonprofit organization that, through its members and affiliates, represents approximately 30,000 school business professionals worldwide. ASBO International is committed to providing programs, services and a global network that promote the highest standards in school business. Its members support student achievement through effective resource management in various areas ranging from finance and operations to food services and transportation.

Click here for the Norwalk Public Schools’ FY 2023-24 Operating Budget Book.