[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6279891,"mediaKeyId","2618166-91e289a91850c57a762fa5775189d87a","parentId",2618166,"title","Votes at a glance: Board approves program of study, Fox Run asbestos project, joint-use agreement, Cranberry project completion and gifted policy","audioSeconds",935,"startMs",2951000,"endMs",3886000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2618166-91e289a91850c57a762fa5775189d87a&start=2951&end=3886","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2618166-91e289a91850c57a762fa5775189d87a/thumbnail_2951000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6279891/Connecticut/Votes-at-a-glance-Board-approves-program-of-study-Fox-Run-asbestos-project-joint-use-agreement-Cranberry-project-completion-and-gifted-policy","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6279891-8a7239b8608ed1087a50ff2b03597c67/orig.mp4?Expires=1771028206&Signature=e8TsVdwwaOq29x3TD5julKIZWg3J~iis-gfPDPgLNlOxajjuAWUhl4Quh7aNN-ruIY7pPP5YzGvb0BGSdNeD5UST3mXDpMLeolBLTiPBxCOR9yy7hnCCQaKQgxPilDSOBIDh2oAQng-vFjXVp00iwQ5p7LgDoghnipE3drSgtjiEE0jxyZiMgkgjZhgx28CYuwqjciFOWTiy1HMi2ra~HlxHf5Mqs37ZPc-yGe561v5cUcntFzGh8Gg3j3qOropb8olwWDt~HlV9NlyTsKmAfcQeAafQSjf6NwT4qJjbHBa5NgBycFczaN5wzeTCyLpXB1Et9cor0iMzwmXYJjE5RQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Norwalk Public Schools [Official]","date","2025-02-26T00:00:00Z","article","The Norwalk Board of Education voted unanimously on several agenda items at its Feb. 25 meeting, approving curriculum, facilities and policy measures grouped by staff into a single motion.

The board approved the 2025–26 program of study (staff noted it may return later in the year with adjustments to better support multilingual learners and students receiving specialized services). The board also approved final plans, specifications and cost estimates for state project 103-0268CV at Fox Run Elementary School (asbestos full floor tile abatement and replacement); accepted the Cranberry Elementary School new project (state project 103-0252N) as complete; and approved a joint-use agreement between Norwalk Public Schools and the city’s Recreation and Parks department. Trustees also approved Policy 6,010 on equitable identification of gifted and talented students.

Motions were moved and seconded on the record and passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition. Board members flagged that some items (for example, the program of study) could return for additional refinement later in the school year.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of minutes, approval of personnel and approval of budget transfers: moved by Janine Randolph; seconded by Sherry; outcome: approved (voice vote, unanimous as stated in meeting; counts not specified in the transcript).
- Approval of 2025–26 Program of Study; final plans/specifications/cost estimate for state project 103-0268CV (Fox Run Elementary asbestos/tile replacement); approval of joint-use agreement with Recreation and Parks; acceptance of state project 103-0252N (Cranberry Elementary) as complete; approval of Policy 6,010 (equitable identification of gifted and talented students): moved by Kara; seconded by Sherry; outcome: approved (voice vote, unanimous as stated in meeting; counts not specified).
- Motion to enter executive session to discuss pending claims and litigation: moved and seconded on the record; outcome: approved (voice vote).

Ending: The board concluded with the evening’s executive session and then adjourned; staff will return with any items that require follow-up or further board action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Norwalk Public Schools BOARD BUSINESS MEETING 2025-02-26","oneSentenceSummary","The Norwalk Board of Education voted unanimously on a bundle of curriculum, facilities and policy items at its Feb. 25 business meeting.","taxTitle","Norwalk School District, School Districts, Connecticut","taxId",13003,"location","Connecticut","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6279899,"Norwalk parent warns of cuts as board hears capital-budget update and superintendent flags possible state aid",392,748000,1140000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2618166-91e289a91850c57a762fa5775189d87a&start=748&end=1140","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2618166-91e289a91850c57a762fa5775189d87a/thumbnail_748000.jpg","/articles/6279899/Connecticut/Norwalk-parent-warns-of-cuts-as-board-hears-capital-budget-update-and-superintendent-flags-possible-state-aid","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6279899-34b6ef2e8a55faa65f485f7df058e7ef/orig.mp4?Expires=1771028206&Signature=kbehyKCR8B8Dvu1~--OYsZ2BUGtbngwXBtzo2WnBpaCvPnXf5iqhzZoyrS3Zg3-O5TST0~t7KpEDykGdU0mS42u4UjYWSV5RNHCcq5-ezZX4atHFpgnZNywcHHXh3JT4A8Tp5U9eYAwVPsBRrhshJ-qTnRTfaiQC~uoBdxR-SvOWCtwbYtWgzW4YIzWmbzy~X-lnhQPGbz-HulENu1eIz8HvpXClbSJBOaiWnqHdWjBv60LeBMs2HX5Eg11pLRV6e~Lc8jDqkQ9aWTGgWzwtaY0QrC69k4hBwGj6nwYzaI-OzDegVXvA5l3v~7iY3fM4gchKqJgtMwWOTdvLALFBFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Norwalk parent warned the Board of Education on Tuesday that proposed budget choices could force staff cuts and cost the board community support, while district leaders briefed the board on a revised capital request and ongoing budget negotiations.

David Cahill, identifying himself as a parent of two Norwalk Public Schools students, told the board the district and the superintendent had “built budgets on temporary funds” and urged trustees to return to the negotiating table and “scrutinize every line” of the operational budget to preserve school-based staff. “While you play budget chicken, our kids pay the price,” Cahill said.

The remarks came before a superintendent briefing on the capital budget. Dr. Alexandra Estrella said the district’s original capital request for fiscal year 2026 totaled $7.4 million. The mayor and city chief financial officer recommended $6.9 million, and the district revised several items to align with that recommendation: the school security request was reduced from $554,000 to $327,000, the high-school/student computer replacement request fell from $779,000 to $559,000, and a science-curriculum request was trimmed from $250,000 to $200,000. Those revised requests are currently under review by the planning and zoning commission for conformance with the city’s Plan of Conservation and Development, Estrella said, after which the mayor’s office will make a final recommendation to the Common Council.

Estrella also said she has been discussing potential state support for special education with U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy’s office and with state legislators; if the governor and legislature approve the measure discussed, the district could receive “approximately $800,000-plus” to offset special-education costs, she said.

Board members and staff said they will continue to track the Common Council’s cap-setting and other city steps that affect the district’s planning for FY2026. The superintendent said the district will provide additional updates as the Common Council and the mayor complete their review.

The meeting included public procedures and other agenda items later approved by the board.

Ending: The board scheduled follow-up as the city’s budget-cap decision and state action on special-education funding become clearer; staff said they will continue presenting updates at future meetings.","A Norwalk parent warned the Board of Education on Tuesday that proposed budget choices could force staff cuts and cost the board community support, while district leaders briefed the board on a revised capital request.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6279895,"Norwalk schools report attendance drop among multilingual learners; behavior incidents decline but disparities persist",1038,1226000,2264000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2618166-91e289a91850c57a762fa5775189d87a&start=1226&end=2264","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2618166-91e289a91850c57a762fa5775189d87a/thumbnail_1226000.jpg","/articles/6279895/Connecticut/Norwalk-schools-report-attendance-drop-among-multilingual-learners-behavior-incidents-decline-but-disparities-persist","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6279895-91f1ab3d479058a2e40677853550294a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771028206&Signature=gyXqeeghECtR6kF2XkaV-ASBs6vt91E99m52lAe7KSktBdr8xzWty9wcKcmXs6ki5LvzKh7xUDpn4VmmN6u5PmVz6~~Kv6o4tZ2YrHrDUv4i5g5F1PGkaKxRmQGUACuQvsZaJ~n9tgLqnVkJE8h8amc2Kjz4JpYqEkCYxr7v~xemTC5h5DQ4jAPn0CODp6WUHQHdfo2z34NJOZpsH0jyF2SKQJmL0dUVbsQ5B-wimKJC00gdtKTTNCYeDzwrgmE2zZz52qt5UQ43eHIwZVqDj4GtlA6s-LG5mW8C~UFp-3yu2c0MJlr6JcHzPXiIB1aOfpjxcw7y3eQ~toqj86t28g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Norwalk Public Schools officials on Tuesday told the Board of Education that districtwide chronic absenteeism stood at about 18.9%—close to but above the state rate of 17.1%—and that multilingual learners (MLL) have experienced a recent, sizable decline in average daily attendance.

Sandy Fayouis (presenter name in transcript: Ms. Fayouis) said the district began tracking attendance before and after Jan. 20 and found MLL average daily attendance fell about five percentage points after that date. She said MLL students who receive language services currently show a 25.6% chronic-absence rate compared with 16.8% for non-MLL students. Students who receive specialized-learning services are at 25.2% versus 17.5% for peers who do not receive such services.

Fayouis and Superintendent Dr. Alexandra Estrella told the board the district sees these attendance shifts as connected to heightened immigration concerns circulating in the community; staff said some families reported fear about immigration status and that spikes on social media corresponded to attendance drops the following day. The district has begun monitoring the pattern closely but noted the post–Jan. 20 period covers only a few weeks of data.

Board members heard other attendance detail: younger grades and middle schools generally show better attendance than high school grades, and kindergarten historically shows higher absenteeism that staff attribute to misconceptions about school-start age and lingering pre-pandemic patterns. The presentation highlighted improvements at several high schools: P-TECH reduced chronic absenteeism from 21.5% to 15.3% year to date, and another high school (Brian McMahon) reported a 5-percentage-point reduction tied to targeted equity work and affinity groups.

On student behavior, staff reported a 12% reduction in incidents year to date and said the district’s alternate suspension site—where suspended students receive instruction—has helped lower subjective-suspension categories such as insubordination. Incidents among Black students have declined in number by 16%, Fayouis said, but Black students remain more likely to be suspended than peers. Incidents for students receiving specialized services have fallen by 19%.

Staff also noted a data-reporting issue: differences in how schools code fights, battery and physical altercations can affect the district’s state-reported suspension numbers. Fayouis said some schools choose codes based on the expected number of suspension days, and that adjusting coding practice could materially change comparisons with other urban districts.

Ending: Staff said the district will continue monitoring attendance trends, retraining schools on incident coding as needed, and pursue community outreach and interventions to support at-risk student groups.","District staff reported chronic absenteeism at 18.9% versus the state 17.1%, highlighted a post–Jan. 20 drop in multilingual learner attendance, and said overall student incidents are down 12% though Black students remain more likely to be suspended.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Board approves program of study, Fox Run asbestos project, joint-use agreement, Cranberry project completion and gifted policy

Norwalk parent warns of cuts as board hears capital-budget update and superintendent flags possible state aid

Norwalk schools report attendance drop among multilingual learners; behavior incidents decline but disparities persist