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Fairfield Schools Seek 5.97% Budget Increase

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 3:39 GMT by Patch
      Locales: Connecticut, UNITED STATES

FAIRFIELD, CT - February 18th, 2026 - The Fairfield Board of Education presented a budget proposal to the Board of Selectmen on Monday requesting a 5.97% increase in funding for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The proposed $231.1 million budget represents an $8.3 million increase over the current year's allocation, fueled by a confluence of factors including rising special education costs, a growing student population, and the need for critical infrastructure improvements.

Superintendent of Schools, Emily Nakisa, emphasized the district's commitment to providing quality education despite increasing financial pressures. "We know that the district is growing, and our students need us," Nakisa stated. "We've worked diligently to address these needs responsibly, and we believe the proposed budget reflects the commitment we have to supporting our students and staff."

Special Education Costs: A Persistent Challenge

The most significant driver of the budget increase is the steady rise in special education expenses. Fairfield, like many districts across the nation, has seen a growing number of students requiring individualized education programs (IEPs). These programs often necessitate specialized staff, smaller class sizes, assistive technologies, and specialized transportation - all of which contribute to higher costs. Experts have noted a nationwide trend of increased identification of learning differences and disabilities, along with greater parental advocacy for appropriate services. This positive shift in awareness and access to support, while beneficial for students, inevitably impacts school budgets. The Board of Education reports that these costs have been escalating for several years, creating a substantial strain on the overall budget. A detailed breakdown of the special education funding request reveals specific investments in additional paraprofessionals, specialized therapists (speech, occupational, and behavioral), and updated assistive technology equipment.

Student Enrollment: Growth Demands Resources

Fairfield's public schools are experiencing a period of growth, with student enrollment steadily increasing. This growth, while a positive indicator of the town's appeal to families, demands additional resources to maintain the current level of educational quality. Increased enrollment translates directly into a need for more teachers, classroom space, instructional materials, and support staff. The budget proposal allocates funds for additional elementary school teachers to address growing class sizes, as well as resources to support middle and high school programs experiencing increased demand.

Infrastructure Investments: Maintaining Modern Learning Environments

Beyond personnel and program costs, the Board of Education is also prioritizing infrastructure improvements. Several school buildings are in need of upgrades to ensure they provide safe, modern, and effective learning environments. The budget proposal includes funding for essential repairs to aging facilities, as well as investments in technology upgrades to support 21st-century learning. Specifically mentioned are renovations to the HVAC systems in two elementary schools, a planned overhaul of the high school library's technology infrastructure, and funding for a district-wide cybersecurity upgrade to protect student data. These investments aren't simply about aesthetics; they directly impact the learning experience and the safety and well-being of students and staff.

Budget Review Process & Town Council Decision

The Board of Selectmen is now tasked with reviewing the budget request and formulating a recommendation for the Town Council. The Selectmen will likely scrutinize the proposal, potentially requesting further justification for specific line items or exploring opportunities for cost savings. The Town Council holds the ultimate authority to approve the budget, and their decision will significantly impact the future of Fairfield's public schools. Public hearings are expected to be scheduled to allow residents to voice their opinions on the proposed budget. Board of Education Chair, Jonathan Daniels, reinforced the board's dedication to fiscal responsibility, stating, "We have a responsibility to maintain our facilities and ensure that our students have access to the resources they need to succeed."

The full budget proposal is publicly accessible on the Fairfield Public Schools website, providing residents with a detailed overview of the proposed expenditures. The coming weeks promise a robust public discussion as Fairfield navigates the challenge of balancing fiscal prudence with the imperative of providing a high-quality education for its growing student population.