Connecticut Senate Bill SB00822

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/15
• Refer: 1/28/15

Caption

An Act Concerning The Excess Cost Threshold For Special Education.

Impact

The bill seeks to establish a framework for how excess costs in special education are determined and funded. By clearly delineating the thresholds, it aims to simplify the financial planning processes for local and regional boards of education as they will be more aware of the budgetary implications tied to special education needs. This could result in more equitable distribution of resources across school districts and help in managing the fiscal responsibilities tied to special needs education.

Summary

SB00822 proposes amendments to the excess cost threshold for special education over the coming fiscal years. This bill aims to adjust the costs associated with special education per pupil based on net current expenditures from the prior fiscal year. Specifically, it stipulates decreasing thresholds set at various multipliers from three and a half times to ultimately two times the expenditure by fiscal year 2020 and thereafter. This structured decrease over the first few years is intended to gradually implement the changes while informing stakeholders of forthcoming adjustments in funding and expenditure expectations.

Contention

As is often the case with educational funding legislation, there may be points of contention regarding the adequacy and timing of the adjustments to the excess cost threshold. Critics may argue that a phased approach could create uncertainty in budgeting for local boards, while proponents will likely highlight the necessity of such gradual changes to ensure proper implementation. The requirement for the Department of Education to collect and report annual data on local special education expenditures further emphasizes a commitment to transparency and accountability in spending, which all stakeholders might rally around even amidst differing opinions on the proposed thresholds.