Norwalk Public Schools Receives Meritorious Budget Award

Information via Norwalk Public Schools

NORWALK, CT — For the third year in a row, the Association of School Business Officials International has recognized Norwalk Public Schools for excellence in budget presentation with the Meritorious Budget Award for fiscal year 2024-2025.

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, according to a news release provided by the district:

• A policy document.
• A financial plan.
• An operations guide.
• A communications device.

"Every year, we heed the call from the community to be transparent in our financial reporting for the district," Norwalk Public Schools CFO Lunda Asmani said in a news release. "We are honored to once again be recognized for our commitment to this standard. I am deeply grateful for the leadership of Norwalk Public Schools and the Board of Education for their support in our pursuit of excellence in financial reporting. We share this award with our students, teachers and staff in celebration of their success in 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, according to the district.

"Congratulations once again to Lunda and his team for creating a comprehensive and transparent presentation of the budget," Superintendent Alexandra Estrella said in a news release. "The Finance Department works tirelessly to ensure every line item in our budget is transparent and every dollar is maximized to maintain the high standards of excellence our students, staff, and families deserve. Their dedication directly supports our mission to provide the best possible education for our scholars in Norwalk, and I am incredibly proud of their exceptional efforts and commitment to excellence."

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, according to the district.

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.

"On behalf of the Norwalk Board of Education, I want to congratulate the finance department for their outstanding work in developing and presenting a transparent, efficient operating budget that supports excellence in education," Norwalk Board of Education Chair Diana Carpio said in a news release. "Your dedication makes a real difference for our students, staff and community."

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, according to the district.

ASBO International COO/Interim Executive Director Siobhán McMahon explained in a news release "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."

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, according to the district.

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, according to the district.

The Norwalk Public Schools' FY 2024-25 Operating Budget Book can be found on the district website.