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Danbury wants state to reform education funding system

Danbury officials have gathered to call on the state to fulfill their financial obligation to the schools.  The Danbury Board of Education, City Council, state lawmakers and others held a public information session Monday night about the district being underfunded by some $30 million. 

 

Information provided by the schools says that funding to districts is being given out in lump sums now with the state having suspended the Education Cost Sharing Formula in 2013.  School officials say the grants are calculated in a way that higher mill rate towns get more money, and districts with lower costs for special need students or English Language Learners also receiving more funding. 

 

School officials say new funding proposed under the ECS formula, to be reinstated in 2016, cuts what Danbury is entitled to by 50 percent, or $30 million.

 

The state is being called on by Danbury officials to come up with a more fail-safe funding method for school districts based on students' learning needs.

 

The School District says Danbury has the 7th lowest per student spending in Connecticut at $12,684, relying heavily on local funding.  Danbury contributes $9,061 per student, or 70 percent.  The schools say that's nearly twice that of a similar district.  Superintendent of Schools Dr Sal Pascarella says the taxpayers need relief, and the state needs to help make sure every child is reaching his or her fullest potential.

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Dave Rinelli

Local Headlines