Marks Puts Freeze on Spending of Supplies

Norwalk Superintendent of Schools Susan Marks has announced a spending freeze on instructional supplies. That means no more spending this year on textbooks and other supplies. Marks made the move in an effort to save money from this year’s budget so that she can use the money for next year.

“All purchase orders related to the accounts should be stopped immediately,” wrote Marks in a letter to principals, union presidents and secretaries about a spending freeze on all instructional supplies. Waivers are permitted for expenses that are “absolutely unavoidable.”

This latest spending freeze goes further than the one Marks put in place in mid-December, which focused on staffing. At that time, instructional materials were exempt from the freeze.

Marks, however, doesn’t think that this freeze will have a major impact on the schools. “I believe the impact in the classroom will be little, as many supplies have been already purchased,” said Marks. “I am not sure of the estimate of savings as yet, but should have a better idea in the near future.”

The following items were included on her list:

■ All instructional materials

■ General supplies

■ Textbooks/workbooks/consumable accounts

■ Overtime accounts

■ Instructional, non-instructional equipment

■ Library/audio-visual supplies

■ Attendance at out-of-district conferences

■ Funds cannot be encumbered for future expenditures.