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The Norwalk Common Council voted along party lines Tuesday night when member Carvin Hilliard tried to direct more money toward the city's schools. Republicans defeated Hilliard's proposal to set aside the cap on the City's operating budget so the city could increase the education budget. The five Democrats on the Council voted in favor of Hilliard's motion. All nine Republicans voted against it.
"I don't think the children should be punished," said Hilliard. "We can do better."
The Common Council has asked the Board of Education to identify $5 million in cuts from the proposed school budget. Interim school superintendent Michael Nast has offered a counter proposal that is about half the amount the Council requested. Negotiations continue between the school board's finance committee and the members of the city's Board of Estimate and Taxation. The City has until early May to set the final budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
"Just because we are in tough economic times doesn't mean the kids should pay," commented Hilliard. "After all, education is key to getting a job."
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