More Money for Budget 2012-2013

By MATT COYNE Hour Staff Writer | NORWALK -- After tonight's Board of Estimate and Taxation meeting, the Board of Education could have at least $500,000 to work back into their budget. Schools Chief Operating Officer Elio Longo said the Board of Education has a total of at least $500,000 in unexpended funds in their fiscal year 2011-12 budget. That number could be higher, according to Longo and Board of Estimate Chairman Fred Wilms, but the Board of Education still has some accounts to settle before the real number comes out. Tonight, the Board of Estimate will vote to allow the Board of Education to keep those funds and discuss other ways in which the city can extend aid to the schools. "There's a strong willingness on the city's side, the BET and the Common Council, to offer increased or further assistance to the Board of Education," Longo said. "How the funds should be spent is up to the superintendent, (Board of Estimate) and Board of Education." The $500,000 figure, Longo said, was partially brought on by the $4 million extended to the Board of Education by the Board of Estimate so the schools could cover a fiscal year 2011-12 budget overrun in certain accounts. The final number should come at the end of August.