During its 2025 regular legislative session, the Connecticut General Assembly made a number of changes to how the State funds special education, including the creation of a new formulaic grant to support special education services.
There are a variety of types of public schools of choice in Connecticut, including magnet schools, career and technical high schools, vocational agricultural centers, and charter schools. Connecticut also has two additional school choice arrangements that are not as common: designated high schools and endowed academies. This policy briefing discusses both of these options and how they are a part of Connecticut’s public education landscape.
On February 5, 2025, Governor Ned Lamont released his recommended biennial state budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. This nonpartisan analysis details the changes to state education funding in the governor’s proposed budget, and provides a brief overview of the general fiscal outlook of the state budget and economy.
Education Funding Snapshot - Governor's Budget for FYs 2026 and 2027
Interactive Community Impact Tool - Governor's Budget for FYs 2026 and 2027
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The Alliance District program is one way the State of Connecticut approaches school improvements to aid student achievement. This policy briefing takes a look at the Alliance District program, its effectiveness, and what improvements can be made to help the program support districts.
In 1986, the General Assembly passed the Education Enhancement Act, which aimed to reduce salary disparities by offering districts additional state educational aid as an incentive to meet minimum salary targets, rather than providing direct state funding for teacher pay increases.
Connecticut has a number of avenues for towns and school districts to regionally collaborate to share services, achieve efficiencies, and expand opportunities for student and families. But opportunities exist to increase and improve these options and strengthen voluntary regional collaboration in K-12 education.