Norwich schools receive $479K special education funding boost amid budget talks

The Norwich Public Schools Board of Education convened on March 11, 2025, to discuss various key topics, including professional development initiatives, budget updates, and legislative impacts on funding.

The meeting began with a report highlighting the successful training of over 140 paraprofessionals through a state grant, focusing on social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. This initiative marked Norwich as the first district in Connecticut to implement this professional development program, which was well-received by board members.

Following this, the business administrator provided an overview of the district's financial status. The administrator welcomed Susan, the newly appointed superintendent, emphasizing her strong grasp of school finance. The discussion shifted to the current budget, which included an 81-page document detailing updates since previous meetings. Notably, the Connecticut House recently approved an additional $40 million for special education funding, which was unanimously supported by the Senate. However, the governor vetoed the bill, prompting a collaborative effort to address his concerns, ultimately resulting in the anticipated release of $479,205 in excess cost reimbursement for Norwich.

The administrator projected a potential year-end balance that could either be slightly positive or result in a deficit of up to $400,000, depending on various factors, including special education costs and student enrollment. The proposed budget for the 2025-2026 school year reflects a 4.95% increase, totaling $100,420,901. This budget will be presented to the city council on April 11, 2025, as part of the city's overall budget process.

Key budget components discussed included a 5% increase in transportation costs and a significant portion of the budget allocated to salaries and special education expenses. The administrator noted that 95.6% of the budget is driven by six main items, including salaries, benefits, and tuition costs. The board acknowledged the efforts of school principals and staff in managing expenses amid budget constraints.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring legislative developments that could impact future funding, particularly regarding early childhood education and special education grants. The board expressed optimism about the budget process and the collaborative efforts to maintain financial stability within the district.