News Release - April 16, 2007
Democrats’ Budget Boosts “Great Schools for All” Plan
$101 Million Would Provide Parents More Choices, Educators Greater Freedom to Innovate, and the Public Increased Accountability for Results

Contact: Marc Porter Magee
Tel: 203-772-4017 x14
Cell: 203-586-9313
Email: marc.magee@conncan.org

“With this new budget, the Democratic leadership has taken a significant step towards the goal of closing America’s largest achievement gap,” said Alex Johnston, executive director of ConnCAN. “By expanding what is working and investing in proven education reforms this budget moves us closer to the goal of ensuring every child in Connecticut has access to a great public school.”

On January 25, ConnCAN’s “Great Schools for All” five-point plan was released with the support of a unique partnership of business and community organizations. A number of its provisions were supported in Gov. M. Jodi Rell’s budget on February 7 and its key ideas found their way into several bills debated by the Education Committee on March 12, including “An Act Concerning Great Schools for All.”

On April 13, three key provisions of the plan—expanding high-quality preschool, creating innovative new public schools, and ensuring greater accountability for results—came one step closer to reality when $101 million in support over two years was included in the budget passed by the Appropriations Committee in the State Legislature:

Expanding High-Quality Preschool

$3 million in 2008 and $2.5 million in 2009 for a Preschool Quality Rating System to help parents make informed choices and provide the foundation for greater public accountability.

$6.5 million in 2008 and $21.5 million in 2009 for new preschool slots and scholarships in priority school districts.

Creating Innovative New Public Schools

$6.2 million in 2008 and $11.5 million in 2009 to increase funding for state charter schools from $8,000 per pupil to $8,650 in 2008 and $9,300 in 2009 and increase the number of seats funded from 3,641 students to 4,078 in 2008 and 4,375 in 2009 to support natural grade growth and one new charter school.

$1.5 million in 2008 and $1.5 million in 2009 to establish up to 12 CommPACT local charter schools based on the Boston “Pilot School” model. These local charter schools will have autonomy over budget, staffing, governance, curriculum and the school calendar.

$12.3 million in 2008 and $24.4 million in 2009 to increase the magnet school per pupil subsidy and expand the number of students in magnet schools.

Ensuring Greater Accountability for Results

$3.65 million in 2008 and $2.75 million in 2009 to establish a longitudinal data system that will track growth in student achievement on the individual level. This system provides the foundation for a school rating system that measures schools based on the gains they achieve with their students.

$1.9 million in 2008 and $1.9 million in 2009 to support 10 new personnel at the State Department of Education to implement a new system of oversight and accountability.

Increased authority for the State Board of Education to take action to raise student performance when schools and school districts fail to make progress by:

• Directing the transfer and assignment of teachers and principals.
• Requiring the district to implement curriculum approved by the State Department of Education.
• Assigning a technical assistance team to the school or district to guide school or district initiatives.
• Reconstituting schools as state or local charter schools.
• Providing funding so that students in a failing school or district may attend public school in a neighboring district.

If a district fails to make Adequate Yearly Progress for two consecutive years while designated as an underperforming school district, provides authority for the State Board of Education, after consultation with the Governor and chief elected official or officials of the district, to request that the General Assembly enact legislation reassigning control of the district to the State Board of Education or other authorized entity.

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For an interview with Alex Johnston or more information on the “Great Schools for All” plan please call Marc Porter Magee at 203-586-9313 or email Marc at marc.magee@conncan.org. 

The Connecticut Coalition for Achievement Now (ConnCAN) is a statewide outreach, education, and research organization working to close Connecticut’s achievement gap. To learn more visit: www.conncan.org.