Resource Center
The Resource Center contains all reports and materials created by the Connecticut School Finance Project as well as a wide collection of reports, publications, and data from Connecticut and national sources. All original content produced by the Connecticut School Finance Project is labeled as such. Materials produced by sources outside the organization are labeled accordingly in the title of resource.
To navigate through the Resource Center, use the keyword search below or browse by selecting specific categories or years using the appropriate drop-down menus. To view all resources in the Resource Center, simply leave each search and category function blank and click the Search button.
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Connecticut Economy & State Finance 101
Sep 10, 2019
CT School Finance Project Original Content
This presentation from the Connecticut School Finance Project covers the basics of what an economy is, and how Connecticut's economy and its state budget interact and impact one another. The presentation also explores how choices impact the economy and what affects Connecticut's economic policy decisions.
School Finance 101: An introduction to how public schools are funded in Connecticut
Aug 8, 2019
CT School Finance Project Original Content
This presentation from the Connecticut School Finance Project examines the state's school finance system as a whole and the challenges it presents. Included in the presentation is information about Connecticut's 11 school funding formulas, the state's varying property tax rates, and the funding and population disparities among school districts across the state.
Final Report of the Special Education Cost Model Task Force
Jul 11, 2019
As part of the biennial state budget for fiscal years 2018 and 2019 (Conn. Acts 17-2 (June Special Session)), the Special Education Cost Model Task Force was established to conduct a feasibility study of a special education predictable cost cooperative (Co-op) as well as other alternative models for funding special education that are used in other states. The Co-op model was created by the Connecticut School Finance Project in partnership with the University of Connecticut's Goldenson Center for Actuarial Research. In July 2019, the task force submitted its final report, which detailed the task force's findings and included the feasibility study reports, commissioned by the task force, examining different Co-op models. While the task force did not make any recommendations to the General Assembly in its final report, the task force did highlight the benefits and potential challenges of each model it investigated.
Connecticut's Technical Education and Career System
Jul 24, 2019
CT School Finance Project Original Content
This policy briefing focuses on the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS), formerly known as the Connecticut Technical High School System, and discusses its objectives, history, administration, and sources of funding.
FY 2020 Budget Changes to School Finance
Jul 1, 2019
CT School Finance Project Original Content
Brief presentation detailing the changes to state education funding for fiscal year 2020 that were made as part of the state's biennial budget for FYs 2020 and 2021. Presentation includes information about Education Cost Sharing (ECS) funding, changes to significant education line items, and funding for school choice programs.
CCJEF v. Rell (2018) (CT Supreme Court Decision)
Jan 17, 2018
In a 4-3 ruling, the Connecticut Supreme Court reversed in part, and affirmed in part, a 2016 ruling from Hartford Superior Court Judge Thomas Moukawsher focused on Connecticut's school finance system. The Supreme Court ruled the way Connecticut allocates state education dollars, and how much the State spends on public education, is constitutional and does not violate Article Eighth § 1 of the Connecticut Constitution.
ECS Grants for FYs 2020 and 2021 with Comparisons to FY 2019 Funding Levels
Jul 2, 2019
CT School Finance Project Original Content
This spreadsheet contains a town-by-town list of estimated Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants for fiscal years 2020 and 2021 with a comparison to FY 2019 funding levels.
Sheff v. O'Neill Supreme Court Ruling and Subsequent Stipulation Agreements
Feb 23, 2015
In 1996, in a 4-3 decision, the Connecticut Supreme Court ruled the state had an affirmative obligation to provide Connecticut's school children with a substantially equal educational opportunity and that this constitutionally guaranteed right encompasses the access to a public education, which is not substantially and materially impaired by racial and ethnic isolation. The Court further concluded that school districting, based upon town and city boundary lines, is unconstitutional. As a result of the decision, the Connecticut State Legislature passed legislation in 1997 encouraging voluntary actions toward racial integration. However, since then, there have been a number stipulated agreements between the case's plaintiffs and the State of Connecticut to ensure the Connecticut Supreme Court's ruling is followed.
FAQs: Minimum Budget Requirement
Jun 25, 2019
CT School Finance Project Original Content
This frequently asked questions document discusses Connecticut’s minimum budget requirement (MBR), which prohibits a town from budgeting less for education than it did in the previous year unless it meets specific exceptions.
School Finance 101: An introduction to how public schools are funded in Connecticut
Aug 8, 2019
CT School Finance Project Original Content
This presentation from the Connecticut School Finance Project examines the state's school finance system as a whole and the challenges it presents. Included in the presentation is information about Connecticut's 11 school funding formulas, the state's varying property tax rates, and the funding and population disparities among school districts across the state.