Superintendent reports improved test scores, lower chronic absenteeism and new Sono school; finance chief describes amended FY26 budget

Superintendent Dr. Estrella and district staff presented highlights from the 2025 state accountability results at the Norwalk Board of Education meeting on Sept. 16, reporting improved proficiency and growth across multiple measures, a marked reduction in chronic absenteeism and a 92.7% graduation rate.

Dr. Estrella opened by describing the district’s successful start to the school year and the August ribbon cutting for the new Sono Elementary School in South Norwalk. The superintendent said the new facility will serve as both a school and a community hub for the neighborhood.

Diane Filardo, presenting state accountability results, summarized gains in English language arts, mathematics and science. Key points the district highlighted: - Chronic absenteeism dropped compared with prior years, with a reduction of roughly 400 chronically absent students compared with the prior year (from about 2,400 to about 2,000). Filardo presented trends showing lower absenteeism for both high-needs and non-high-needs students. - Smarter Balanced results and matched-cohort analyses showed…