Darien School Board Approves $125.7 Million Budget For 2025-2026

DARIEN, CT — The Darien Board of Education last week adopted its fiscal year 2026 recommended budget of $125.7 million, which is a 4.9 percent increase over the 2024-2025 spending plan.

The board's vote on Feb 11, which was broadcast on Darien TV79, notably added back 10 instructional paraprofessionals and fully restored the school district's gifted program, IDEA, and removed new student athletic fees for non-CIAC sports.

Superintendent of Darien Public Schools Dr. Alan Addley's original proposed budget recommended the elimination of 15 instructional paraprofessionals for an estimated savings of $1.1 million, as well as the elimination of the IDEA program, but the proposals were criticized by the public throughout the board's budget process. His budget also proposed adding fees for non-CIAC sports at $340 per player.

Additionally, $35,000 was restored to keep the Middlesex Middle School intramural athletics program.

"The fact that we do have this opportunity for kids who don't otherwise have a chance to go play sports, move their bodies, meet new people... I think taking it away would be signaling that we only support some athletics and not all athletics," said board member Joana Walsh.

The budget also reduced software program expenses by 10 percent, as well as funding for convocation speakers and catering.

A motion from board member Gregory Grambling to completely eliminate BrainPOP, an educational software program that focuses on science, mathematics and history, and the Zoom platform, failed to pass.

Grambling said it was his understanding that "there's a lot of political messaging within BrainPOP for our elementary school kids."

Shirley Klein, assistant superintendent, special education and student services, said the district has heard from teachers it's a "heavily-utilized" support for teachers.

A capital budget of $1,139,150 was also approved.

The plan includes funds for LED lighting fixture upgrades, blacktop resurfacing, green roof waterproofing and replacement doors at Darien High School; school radio replacement at MMS; bus loop and parking lot paving and security enhancements at Tokeneke Elementary School; and other district-wide work related to window, sidewalk, and vehicle replacements, among other requests.

The school board's budget will now move through the discussion and approval process of the Board of Finance and Representative Town Meeting.

You can watch the full Feb. 11 Board of Education meeting on demand on Darien TV79.