An Act Concerning Changes To The Education Cost Sharing Formula To A Money Follows The Child Approach.
If enacted, HB 05112 would significantly alter the distribution of education funding across the state. By expanding the definition of resident students, the bill seeks to provide equal opportunities for funding regardless of where a student chooses to attend school. This would mean that schools like charter schools would receive direct funding for their students, potentially increasing parent choice in education and affecting public school district budgets as funds are shared across a broader array of educational institutions.
House Bill 05112 proposes a fundamental change to the education cost-sharing formula in Connecticut, advocating for a 'money follows the child' approach. This bill aims to direct funding based on the actual enrollment of students, offering resources to non-district educational options such as charter schools, interdistrict magnet schools, and nonpublic schools through vouchers and tax credits. By repealing subsection (d) of section 10-262h, the bill looks to redefine how educational funding is allocated, ensuring that student attendance governs funding rather than residential district lines.
There are notable concerns regarding the implications of this legislation. Proponents argue that this model promotes fairness and efficiency, allowing funding to flow with the student rather than being restricted by outdated geographical boundaries. However, critics fear that the shift could undermine traditional public schools by diverting funds away from them, leading to a destabilization of local education systems. They warn that the true costs of implementing such a system may outweigh its benefits, particularly in terms of equity and resource distribution in public education.