While Connecticut ranks among states with the highest levels of education spending, most of that does not derive from the state itself but from municipal budgets.
Earlier this year, in a move many educators said was long overdue, Gov. Ned Lamont and the state legislature injected an additional $70 million into special education. But this money still isn’t nearly enough to meet the needs in many districts, and officials are working to fill in the gaps.
Connecticut is one of 26 states suing the Trump administration over a nearly $7 billion federal education funding freeze; if nothing changes, $53.6 million would be withheld from Connecticut schools, disproportionately affecting high-needs areas.
The Trump administration's sudden freeze of federal education funds leaves almost no Connecticut school district unscathed, as more than $50 million dollars and the programs they fund face an uncertain future.
The administration of President Donald Trump has withheld over $6.8 billion in federal K-12 funding for the 2025-26 school year, including $53.6 million from Connecticut.
The Connecticut Council of Small Towns (COST) held a meeting reviewing 2025 legislative session and the additional financial support provided for public schools and special education services.