Nearly 6% Spending Increase Sought For Fairfield Public Schools

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield Public Schools is looking to spend $246,924,831 to run the school system in 2026-27, an increase of 5.96 percent above the current year's allocation, according to the proposed budget document presented recently by Superintendent Michael Testani.

The proposed budget "balances necessary investments with operational efficiencies to maximize the impact of every dollar," Testani wrote. Over the past 10 years, Fairfield's public schools budgets have risen by an average of about 4 percent.

Fairfield Public Schools has nearly 9,000 students at 17 schools, and more than 1,000 certified teachers.

Despite the proposed budget increase, the district might still eliminate close to a dozen jobs.

"A significant portion of the budget increase, 3.84 percent of the total 5.96 percent, is directly related to contractual staffing needs, including teacher compensation, substitute coverage, and health insurance," Testani wrote. "An additional 2.12 percent accounts for increases related to transportation, special education services, learning material purchases, information technology and infrastructure projects. These resources are essential to supporting our students, staff, and operational needs."

Combined, salaries and benefits represent nearly 80 percent of the overall proposed budget, or close to $200 million. The 3.84 percent budget increase in those two categories totals $8,952,797.

"This budget reflects our shared mission to provide Fairfield’s students with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed in college, career, and beyond," Testani wrote. "Thank you for your continued support and for your dedication to our students and community."

The 2026-27 budget will be finalized in the spring. Click here to view the superintendent's proposal.