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Norwalk subcommittee forwards state-mandated FAFSA-completion regulation for class of 2027 to full board
Summary
The Norwalk School District policy subcommittee voted March 12 to forward a state-required FAFSA-completion regulation for the graduating class of 2027 to the full board. The rule requires each student to either complete the FAFSA, submit an alternative application for financial aid if ineligible, or sign a waiver; districts must track completion and assign FAFSA coaches.
On March 12 the Norwalk School District policy subcommittee voted to send a new state-mandated FAFSA-completion regulation for the graduating class of 2027 to the full board for approval.
Robert Pennington, a cabinet member who led the presentation, said the regulation requires that "all students in that class will either have one of three things done: completed a FAFSA, [for students without legal immigration status] submitted an application for financial aid, or complete a waiver." He told the subcommittee schools must be able to complete a waiver by March if families do not respond.
The update would make the district responsible for creating a FAFSA task force, tracking completion data (including dates of completion) and assigning FAFSA coaches to caseloads of students to assist and monitor form completion. "We will have FAFSA coaches that are assigned to caseloads of students," Pennington said. He said districts should also "provide incentives for students who have completed" the form and mentioned existing school-level efforts such as FAFSA parties and a partnership with the RISE network.
Members pressed staff on workload and whether the requirement was driven by the state. Staff said the change stems from state regulation intended to increase postsecondary enrollment and that the district's work to track and monitor completion represents an added administrative burden. One presenter described the requirement as an "unfunded mandate."
The subcommittee clarified how the rule treats students who cannot complete a federal FAFSA because of immigration status: staff may instead help those students complete institution-specific applications for financial aid. Pennington said counselors, assistant principals and a district data lead (Carol Chertoff) will set up systems to monitor completion across schools.
The subcommittee moved and seconded a motion to bring the regulation to the full board; the motion carried. The item will appear on the district's next full-board business meeting agenda for a formal vote.
Next steps: the full board will consider the regulation at its next business meeting, where members may vote to adopt the policy and any accompanying regulations that detail tracking and waiver procedures.
