Connecticut House Bill HB05076

Connecticut 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/15/12
• Refer: 2/15/12

Caption

An Act Increasing The Open Choice Program Per Student Grant.

Impact

This legislative measure aims to increase the financial resources available to receiving districts, promoting their participation in the Open Choice Program. By providing up to six thousand dollars per student based on specific criteria, the bill seeks to address disparities in educational access and funding, reinforcing efforts to close achievement gaps among different demographic groups. The structured grant amounts are designed to encourage districts to welcome more out-of-district students, thus aiding efforts to combat racial, ethnic, and economic isolation in schools.

Summary

House Bill 05076 is designed to enhance the Open Choice Program, which facilitates educational opportunities for students from various districts. The bill proposes to amend the funding structure for out-of-district students attending schools within receiving districts. Under this proposal, the Department of Education would be required to provide financial grants based on the proportion of out-of-district students in the receiving district. Specifically, the funding would vary depending on the percentage of these students, thus incentivizing districts to participate in the program more fully.

Contention

While the bill aims to improve educational equity, potential concerns could arise regarding the adequacy of funding and the actual implementation of such a program. Critics might argue that relying heavily on grant funding based on student numbers could divert necessary resources from local programs or create disparities between districts that are willing to embrace the program and those that are not. Furthermore, given the competitive nature of school funding, questions about how this bill could affect local educational priorities may be raised during legislative discussions.