Resource Center
The Resource Center contains all reports and materials created by the School and State Finance Project as well as a wide collection of reports, publications, and data from Connecticut and national sources. All original content produced by the School and State Finance Project is labeled as such. Materials produced by sources outside the organization are labeled accordingly in the title of resource.
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Student-Centered Funding System
Jan 26, 2021

School + State Finance Project Original Content
Although positive steps have been taken by the General Assembly over the past few years to improve how Connecticut funds K-12 public education, the state’s education finance system remains inequitable, disjointed, and inadequate for addressing the systemic racial disparities and wide gaps found in Connecticut education funding. These longstanding challenges are why we are working collaboratively with legislative, education, community, and municipal stakeholders across the state to advance a student-centered funding system.
Budget Snapshots: Governor Lamont's Proposed Budget for FYs 2022 and 2023
Mar 1, 2021

School + State Finance Project Original Content
On Wednesday, February 10, Governor Ned Lamont released his proposed budget for the next two fiscal years (FY 2022 and FY 2023). The governor's proposal is the first step in the development of Connecticut's biennial state budget. These budget snapshots provide a nonpartisan look at how the governor's budget compares to current spending and revenue levels, details the proposal's key policy changes, and provides estimated town-by-town runs for the Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grant.
Connecticut's State Budget Process
Feb 3, 2021

School + State Finance Project Original Content
This policy briefing provides a quick overview of Connecticut's biennial (two-year) budget process from the governor's initial proposed budget to a final product passed by the legislature and signed by the governor.
Economic Impacts of Land Use Regulations in Connecticut
Nov 10, 2020

School + State Finance Project Original Content
The State of Connecticut is facing structural headwinds that threaten the ability for its residents, taxpayers, and businesses to thrive. One of these structural challenges is Connecticut’s land use regulations, which have restricted housing supply, increased housing prices, and limited economic growth. This report describes how including the dimension of economic impact and growth in the analysis of land use regulations and development processes can address this structural challenge.
Racial Disparities in Connecticut Education Funding
Sep 17, 2020

School + State Finance Project Original Content
Connecticut's public school districts remain deeply segregated and significant funding gaps continue to exist between districts that predominantly serve students of color and districts that largely serve White student populations. These are two of the overarching findings from this School and State Finance Project report, which examines racial disparities in Connecticut education funding.
Sheff v. O'Neill Supreme Court Ruling and Subsequent Stipulation Agreements
Jan 10, 2020
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.
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.
Racial Disparities in Connecticut Education Funding
Sep 17, 2020

School + State Finance Project Original Content
Connecticut's public school districts remain deeply segregated and significant funding gaps continue to exist between districts that predominantly serve students of color and districts that largely serve White student populations. These are two of the overarching findings from this School and State Finance Project report, which examines racial disparities in Connecticut education funding.
FAQs: Connecticut Regional School Districts
Sep 23, 2020

School + State Finance Project Original Content
This frequently asked questions document by the School and State Finance Project provides information about Connecticut's 17 regional school districts, which educate a combined enrollment of more than 24,00 students. Regional school districts in Connecticut are public school districts created by two or more municipalities to educate their student populations jointly. This FAQ document answers questions about the creation, administration, and funding of Connecticut's regional school districts.
Mismatch Between Funding & Student Needs in Connecticut
Jul 28, 2020

School + State Finance Project Original Content
This policy briefing details the current mismatch between student needs and per-student spending in Connecticut’s local public school districts, and examines some of the factors that contribute to this mismatch. While the Connecticut General Assembly took significant steps toward fixing the ECS formula during the 2017 legislative special session, work still needs to be done to ensure all students, regardless of need, receive equitable funding and have the same opportunities to succeed in Connecticut’s public schools.