Connecticut House Bill HB05377

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/20
• Refer: 2/27/20

Caption

An Act Permitting A School District To Pay Tuition For Sending Its Elementary And Middle School Students To Another District.

Impact

The proposed amendments to Section 10-33 of the general statutes will facilitate this tuition payment mechanism, positively influencing student enrollment patterns. For districts without high schools, they will have the option to designate accredited schools in other districts where their students can receive necessary educational instruction. This change could lead to an increase in student attendance in neighbouring districts, allowing for better resource allocation and potentially improved educational outcomes.

Summary

House Bill 05377 authorizes local boards of education to pay tuition for sending their elementary and middle school students to another school district. The intention of this bill is to allow for greater flexibility in educational opportunities for students residing in districts that do not maintain their own high schools. By enabling these students to attend schools in neighboring districts, the bill aims to provide a more comprehensive educational experience, particularly for those who may otherwise be limited by geographical constraints.

Contention

While the bill is designed to enhance educational access, it may attract contention related to budget implications for school districts. Opponents may express concerns over the additional financial burden on districts that will be required to cover tuition for students attending schools outside their district. This could divert funds from local educational programs and raise equity concerns regarding the allocation of resources among different districts.

Notable_points

Notably, the bill includes provisions that allow districts to adjust their budget appropriations based on changes in student enrollment figures. If a district that pays tuition sees a decline in its resident high school students, it may reduce its educational budget accordingly. This aspect of the bill recognizes the dynamic nature of school enrollment and attempts to create a responsive budgeting framework within the education system.