Norwalk board approves tentative 9.7% BOE budget request and central-office reorganization; leaders cite rising health, transportation and grant shortfalls

The Norwalk Board of Education on Jan. 14 voted unanimously to approve a tentative FY 2025–26 operating budget to submit to the city and also approved a revised table of organization that reduces central office staffing.

Superintendent Zuri Estrella and budget staff summarized the drivers behind the recommended budget, which they said reflects a 9.7% year‑over‑year request. The district told the board that a combination of factors is producing the increase: projected blended health‑insurance cost increases (assumed at about 10%), resumption of contributions to a self‑insurance account after a one‑time reduction, contractual wage increases, and a reduction in grant funding that had previously subsidized services.

Finance staff (presented by Mr. Arzamani during the meeting) said roughly $2.4 million in services that were previously grant‑funded —…