A coalition of educators and legislative leaders gathered at the Capitol on Friday, calling for immediate funding for Connecticut schools to improve educational equity.
The coalition urged legislators to fund school districts, especially in cities that serve a larger percentage of high-need students, including low-income students and English Language Learners.
“We are at a moment in the State of Connecticut where education is finally a priority for everyone in this building,” said State Rep. Jeff Currey, (D) Chair of the Education Committee.
Their bill seeks to fully fund the education cost-sharing grant formula that was reset in 2017. The legislation accelerates the release of dollars to poor districts and equalizes education funding across the board.
According to an analysis from the nonprofit School & State Finance Project, the proposal would result in more than $250 million in additional state funding, which means 157 towns and cities would see an increase, and 12 towns would remain flat funded.