Nationally honored music program’s future uncertain
NORWALK — For the second year in a row, Norwalk Public Schools was named one of the top districts in the country for music education. However, budget constraints have made the future of its music program uncertain.
The award was granted by the NAMM Foundation, a nonprofit that advances participation in music by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs, according to a schools statement.
The award came Friday, weeks after the Board of Education announced the music program may be among the cuts deemed necessary if the school district did not receive its requested $9.6 million operating budget increase.
Last week, the Board of Estimate and Taxation decided the district would get no increase over last year, since the BOE is set to receive $27.5 million from the American Rescue Plan passed by Congress last
month.
But after receiving the NAMM title — one of 686 school districts nationally to receive the accolade — and the ARP funds, the district anticipates few cuts to the music program, schools spokesperson Brenda Wilcox Williams said.
“We expect to be able to avoid significant reductions, including to our music programs, although we are very concerned about the future impact of using one-time funding for what should be looked at as ongoing local operating expenses,” she said.
At a BET public hearing last month, Norwalk parents voiced their outrage over the potential for the music program to be cut.
Mandy Singh, mother of a Cranbury Elementary School fourth-grader, said her son began band this year and she is worried it will be his only year playing an instrument with the school if the BOE decides to cut the music program.
“I cannot imagine the BOE may have to cut the band program, so next year he may not be playing again,” Singh said. “That may be the end of his saxophone career, at fifth grade. If the city will not invest in public school system, families like mine will ultimately leave Norwalk.” While ARP funds may likely save the music programs, no final plans have been made for the money.
“We are working on understanding the parameters around COVID relief funding and how best to apply these grants, but do not have any final information yet,” Wilcox Williams said. “Norwalk’s highquality music and arts programs have long been a source of pride for the community, thanks to the dedication of our teachers, students, parents and many music alumni.”
Alongside Norwalk, the neighboring school districts of Wilton, Weston, Westport, Danbury, Darien and Milford also received the NAMM honor. The award recognizes efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education, according to the statement.