When Connecticut legislators last fall voted to phase-in changes in how the state funds public schools so more aid gets to the neediest districts, many touted it as the right thing to do. In the wake of a state Supreme Court decision this week, however, that bipartisan dedication to a new education funding formula – which also promised to boost state aid by $380 million over the next 10 years – may soon start to fray.
School funding formula
Posted inEducation, Money
Key question for legislators: How to count high-need students?
The governor’s proposed shakeup of state school aid – and how much extra money districts should receive for impoverished students – is facing complications as the legislature debates how to move forward.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
‘Connecticut needs a school finance system that makes sense’
In his decision on Wednesday in Connecticut Coalition for Justice in Education Funding (CCJEF) v. Rell, Connecticut Superior Court Judge Thomas Moukawsher made a lengthy, wide-ranging ruling on education and equity in our state. At the heart of Judge Moukawsher’s historic ruling is the affirmation of what educators, parents, students, and community leaders have been saying for nearly four decades—Connecticut’s school finance system is irrational, inequitable, and illogical. We can now add unconstitutional to that list.
Posted inEducation, Politics
In suburban schools, student poverty growing faster than education aid
The number of low-income, high-need students attending school in the suburbs is rising, putting new strains on local budgets. That’s why their municipal leaders are pressing the legislature to adjust the state’s system of aid to local schools.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Connecticut charter schools — a good idea gone awry
When confronted with the fact that the unwarranted expansion of charter schools is diverting sorely needs funds away from neighborhood public schools, Connecticut voters are clear in their response: cease and desist.
Posted inNews
Op-Ed: Connecticut charter schools — a good idea gone awry
When confronted with the fact that the unwarranted expansion of charter schools is diverting sorely needs funds away from neighborhood public schools, Connecticut voters are clear in their response: cease and desist.
Posted inEducation
Education funding: Malloy wants to back off state formula
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy is asking state legislators to ignore the formula they adopted last spring, a move that would relieve the state from having to send school districts another $6 million next school year.