Norwalk’s education funding has been shortchanged for years by the state's existing Education Cost Sharing formula (ECS). The current formula weights the Equalized Net Grand List so heavily that it makes Norwalk appear to have a much higher level of wealth than we actually do.

This means that, although 44% of our students receive free and reduced lunch, more than 30% of our students do not speak English at home, and our median family income is $71,877, the formula ranks Norwalk as a city whose citizens have a much greater ability to pay for education than these statistics would suggest. Other towns with lower property values, but also lower student populations, lower poverty levels and higher average income receive disproportionately higher per student funding than Norwalk. Danbury, which has lower property values, but is in other respects directly comparable to Norwalk, receives more than twice as much ECS funding as Norwalk does.

By signing this petition, you agree that something needs to be done to level the playing field. We will present this petition to our legislators to help them advocate for a change in the funding formula that would give Norwalk Public Schools a fair allocation.

And if you would like to join us at the ECS Rally in Hartford on March 15th, sign up for the bus (it's free) at the NEF website. See Petition Updates tab above for details.

Thank you.