This policy briefing details the current mismatch between student learning needs and per-student spending in Connecticut’s local and regional public school districts, and examines some of the factors that contribute to this mismatch.
In 2024, the Connecticut General Assembly passed legislation that expanded the Education Cost Sharing (ECS) formula to include more students participating in various public school choice programs. However, because of how this change was implemented, state grant formulas for school choice programs depend on the ECS formula definitions in state statute but in inconsistent ways.
The Special Education and Expansion Development (SEED) grant provides dedicated state funding to school districts for educating students with disabilities. This infographic provides an overview of the SEED grant, how it is calculated, and for what purposes grant funds may be used.
To help increase student achievement in Connecticut’s lowest-performing districts and schools, the Connecticut General Assembly has appropriated funds to support Alliance District and Priority School District grants. This policy briefing outlines what Alliance Districts and Priority School Districts are, and details the process these districts must follow to receive their grant funding and how they are allowed to use the grants.
The School and State Finance Project has compiled a comprehensive history of changes to the state's school finance system. The history spans from 1927 to present day and highlights significant policy changes, court cases, task forces, and events that have shaped the way Connecticut funds its public schools.
This policy briefing details the current mismatch between student learning needs and per-student spending in Connecticut’s local and regional public school districts, and examines some of the factors that contribute to this mismatch.