Stamford Students Hold 'Walk-In' To Support Music Program: Report

STAMFORD, CT — Several Stamford elementary school students and staff held a "walk-in" Wednesday morning, according to News 12 Connecticut, to show support for Stamford Public Schools' elementary instrumental music program, which could be on the chopping block as officials craft a budget for 2024-2025.

News 12 CT reported that students and staff at Davenport Ridge Elementary School and other schools walked into class Wednesday morning holding instrument cases and signs in support of the program.

Superintendent Dr. Tamu Lucero has proposed a $333.7 million budget, which represents a 6.4 percent increase over the current year's spending plan. An original draft had the budget at $344.4 million, but the district was able to cut around $10.5 million to bring the number down.

"The administration believes that the request of 6.4 percent reflects what is needed to fund our schools," said Chief Financial Officer Ryan Fealey, during a budget presentation to the Board of Education Fiscal Committee on Jan. 16. "But we are aware that there is no precedent for a request of this amount being approved."

Fealey noted in his presentation that history suggests the Stamford Board of Finance and Board of Representatives, who will consider the budget this spring, will reduce the proposed spending plan by at least an additional $10.5 million.

"If our current request is reduced to a number in line with what we've historically gotten, it will require cuts this spring exceeding $10 million," Fealey said.

To that end, Fealey outlined several recommended areas where cuts or "repurposing" could take place. One scenario could mean eliminating instrumental music in Stamford's elementary schools.

Other possible scenarios include a reduction in instructional paraprofessionals in kindergarten; a reduction in security staff district-wide; a reduction in office support staff; and limited specialized programs like Advanced Placement, international baccalaureate, early college studies and AgriScience.

There could also be limited elective course offerings or position adjustments or eliminations.

"We recognize that any of these cuts will be detrimental to the school district," Fealey said. "We are choosing to present a fairly specific list at this point in the budget process, which is unusual, perhaps unprecedented because we want our elected officials and the public to fully understand what is at stake."

Prior to the budget season kicking off, Lucero said in her weekly communication to district families that the budget process would be "challenging" this year.

"The 2024-25 budget must address the 'fiscal cliff' created in spring 2020, when, out of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, city boards cut $12.5 million from the district’s operating budget. Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Funds have been used to maintain programs and positions that otherwise would have been eliminated nearly three years ago, but that funding expires on June 30," Lucero said.

"The expiration of ESSER funds, combined with ongoing inflationary pressures, contractual increases in wages and benefits, and increased transportation and special education costs, has created a scenario in which SPS would require a budget increase of 9.85 percent to maintain all current programs, services, and staff next year," she added.

The average approved increase from city boards has been less than 3 percent annually since 2015, Lucero mentioned.

Salaries and wages are a major driver in the budget. Notably, the proposed spending plan includes the reduction of 20 teaching positions district-wide in grades K-5, and 24 teaching positions between Stamford's three high schools.

A public hearing on the proposed budget is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 1, at 8 p.m., via Zoom. Those who wish to speak at the hearing must email Board Secretary Jennifer Gonzalez at JGonzalez@stamfordct.gov by 7 p.m. on Feb. 1.

Speakers and those who just want to watch the hearing must register here.

The Stamford Board of Education can add or make changes to the budget and will vote on a spending plan on Feb. 22.

The Stamford Board of Finance can only make cuts and will consider the budget in March/April. The Board of Representatives will do the same in May.

Assuming there are reductions, the Board of Education in May/June will reallocate the operating budget based on money approved by the Board of Reps.

Read more from News 12 CT on Wednesday's walk-in