A multi-step platform to improve education in Danbury has been released by Democratic Mayoral candidate Chris Setaro.  He says Danbury is at a crossroads in many ways, and nowhere more apparent than in the school system.

Setaro wants to ensure children get the best start in life by creating free pre-k citywide.  He also plans to work in collaboration with the state delegation to get more funding from Hartford.  Another part of the plan is to connect high school students with local companies and higher education institutions in Danbury to expand the workforce.  Setaro also wants to bring together facilities experts, educators and others to create a strategic plan for infrastructure and operational needs.

According to state records, Danbury is last in Connecticut in per-pupil spending.  The City does have 7 schools of distinction.  The city’s school system has a graduation rate of about 80 percent, also among the lowest in the state. And only 26 percent
of students are proficient in mathematics.

9-term Republican Mayor Mark Boughton noted that the City led a statewide lawsuit to rework the education cost sharing formula, which was denied on appeal and says the state isn't giving Danbury the City's fair share of funding.  He adds that the city does have pre-K programs for at-risk children.  Boughton says the City already has a facility task force of the Board of Ed to address the city’s growing enrollment.

Meanwhile, there's a nationwide movement to get more funding into classrooms.  In Danbury, some educators held protest signs outside Pembroke Elementary School yesterday morning before class.  Teachers Union NEA Danbury also supported the Red for Ed movement of teacher walkouts and protests across the country.  The educators are calling on more money from the City of Danbury to accommodate growing enrollment.