Music Programs, Additional Staff Positions Reinstated In Norwalk Schools Budget: District

NORWALK, CT — As discussions concerning the 2025-26 budget for Norwalk Public Schools continue, the district announced Friday afternoon it will present a reconciled budget to the Board of Education that "restores elementary band and strings positions."

In a news release, district officials acknowledged these programs are highly valued by families of NPS students and reflect the district's commitment to a well-rounded education.

"I want to thank our students, families and community members for their passionate advocacy throughout this budget process," Superintendent Alexandra Estrella said in a news release.

According to the district, the reinstatement of the elementary band and strings positions is made possible by an additional $6 million in funding secured from the city and the state.

The district also noted it will allocate a portion of these funds to support the district's employee health insurance account, while the remaining funds will be disbursed back to the schools, allowing school leaders to reinstate student-facing staff based on each school's individual needs.

"Conversations with school principals have already taken place, and they will now begin reviewing their individual school budgets to determine which staff positions should be reinstated," the release reads. "As part of this process, principals will also consult with their parent leadership groups to ensure that decisions reflect the priorities and needs of their school communities."

In addition to city and state funding, district officials said they have identified $2 million in further budget reductions through "the elimination of additional central office positions, scaling back professional development, cutting utility-related expenditures and other non-student-facing programs."

All staffing adjustments will follow contractual requirements outlined in the reduction-in-force process, as defined in the district's collective bargaining agreements with its unions, which "ensure fairness, transparency, and consideration of seniority and qualifications," district officials said.

"As a result of the contractual seniority guidelines, some staff may be reassigned within their current schools or moved to different school sites across the district," the release reads.

District officials said discussions with the impacted union leadership will take place after school principals identify the positions to be reinstated, based on the funds allocated to their schools, that are essential to their school's needs.

"Collaboration with union leadership will ensure alignment with our collective bargaining agreements during the reduction in force process," the release reads.

"This additional funding allows us not only to preserve band and string programs, which are vital to a well-rounded student experience, but also to support staff benefits and give school leaders flexibility to meet the unique needs of their buildings," Estrella said. "These decisions reflect our ongoing commitment to educational excellence, equity and responsible stewardship of public resources."

District officials also noted they remain committed to transparency and collaboration with the community and will continue working closely with city leaders to support equitable, high-quality education for all students.

According to The Norwalk Hour, the announcement follows recent public outcry over a need to cut $13.2 million from the budget plan and possibly eliminate as many as 130 jobs in the district.

City Releases Statement

In a statement released by the city Friday, Mayor Harry Rilling acknowledged the challenges of this year's school budget process.

"I know the past few weeks have been challenging for so many Norwalk families as they wondered if their kids' favorite teacher or their music and arts program would continue in the upcoming school year," Rilling said in a news release. "I know that many educators wondered if they would still have a job this fall, and I want to acknowledge the considerable stress that our community has endured as we worked to restore funding for these essential programs and positions."

Rilling also thanked "every parent, student, educator and resident" who spoke out or sent letters to relay their concerns.

"I want you to know that we heard you and that your voice and efforts matter," Rilling said. "We listened to what's most important to you and your families in our school budget."

Rilling noted the city's educators are "unequivocally the glue that holds our school system together," while its school music and arts programs are "an incredible asset" to Norwalk students and the community.

"I'm pleased to share that next week, the Board of Education intends to formally accept the $6 million proposed by [Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff] and me to reinstate the music and arts programs, along with other student-facing positions agreed to with the unions," Rilling said. "Our proposal also outlined a strong commitment to public accountability and transparency in the budget decision-making process moving forward to avoid confusion and interruption to our community, schools and students in the future."

He also asked residents to offer each other grace as the city and its school community pause and reflect during the ongoing budget discussions.

"Since these discussions have affected so many, I ask that we take a moment to pause, come together as a community and try to give one another grace," Rilling said. "We are moving forward in the best interests of our students, who have always been our top priority and will continue to be, and I thank everyone for their efforts towards a resolution."