'Significant Financial Challenges' Face Stamford Public Schools In Budget Process, District Says

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford Public Schools says it faces "significant financial challenges" in this year's budget process, which is set to kick into full gear next week.

"Our goal is to maintain the high-quality programs, services, and staff our students deserve—but we are facing significant financial challenges," SPS said in an announcement Wednesday.

The PT Council of Stamford invites the public to attend a budget preview and participate by giving feedback during a virtual Zoom event scheduled for Jan. 22 at 7 p.m.

Superintendent of SPS Dr. Tamu Lucero and SPS Chief Financial Officer Ryan Fealey will give presentations.

SPS said that in order to keep the district running as it is today, the operating budget would have to increase by nearly 8 percent.

"This is driven by sharp rises in fixed costs," SPS said, noting an increase of $7.8 million in contractual wages, $7.6 million in health care benefits and $7 million in special education services.

As a result, SPS says it is proposing $11 million in reductions.

"This brings our requested increase down to 5.4 percent — a figure in line with the largest approved increase in the last decade," the district said. "These reductions include $3M in adjustments needed to fund the Board-mandated return to the 8-Block A/B high school schedule."

The total approved operating budget for 2025-2026 was $347 million.

Lucero's proposed FY27 operating budget will be presented to the Board of Education on Jan. 20.

Those interested in attending the Jan. 22 Zoom event can register online at this link.