Norwich Public Schools proposes 5.9% budget increase as special-education costs climb

Norwich Public Schools leadership presented a proposed $101.0 million operating budget, describing efforts to control rising special-education and outplacement costs while finishing a multi-school construction program that will reshape school footprints.

Superintendent Susan (presenting for the Board of Education) said the district’s accountability index rose to 56.5 this year, a gain that she said ‘‘outpaced the state's growth’’ and reflected instructional and program improvements. The schools’ proposed operating budget increases the district total from about $96.6 million to roughly $101.0 million, a rise the superintendent characterized as necessary to cover costs that the district cannot control locally.

School finance staff warned the council that special education outplacement costs are a major driver of budget pressure. ‘‘Special education costs keep rising at an unsustainable rate,’’ the district finance official said, and the presentation highlighted that the top 10 high-cost outplacements rose about 11% year‑over‑year, with several students incurring six-figure annual placements. The budget assumes an excess-cost/Alliance reimbursement level in the high 60s to low 70s percent range but officials cautioned the final state appropriation could change that projection.

District leaders pointed to in‑district programs intended to reduce outplacement spending. Officials said the Rose City School and a newer ‘‘Resilience’’ program have helped bring students back into Norwich classrooms and avoided higher outplacement bills: the district estimated roughly $661,000 in savings last year from those efforts through a mix of avoided placements and tuition billed to other districts.

Councilors asked detailed questions about Norwich Free Academy tuition billing, transportation contract terms and how grant programs (for example DRIP and a recently announced SEED special-education grant) will affect the school budget. Officials said state grant timing and formula changes create uncertainty and that the superintendent and city are actively advocating with state legislators for stable ECS/Alliance funding.

School leaders requested council engagement in upcoming ad hoc budget meetings and scheduled public redistricting sessions tied to construction plans. No final action on the school operating appropriation occurred at the session; staff said they will return with more detail in ad hoc budget meetings slated for May.