Connecticut Senate Bill SB00437

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/21
• Refer: 1/27/21

Caption

An Act Permitting Regional School Districts To Carry Over Unexpended Funds.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would carry significant implications for the management of educational resources within regional school districts. By allowing a carryover of unspent funds, districts could build a cushion for future educational expenses or unforeseen costs, promoting financial stability and enhancing their capacity to invest in various educational programs and initiatives. This move is seen as a means to empower regional school districts, which often face budgetary challenges, thus aiming to provide a more equitable distribution of funding opportunities in education.

Summary

SB00437, introduced by Senator Sampson, seeks to amend chapter 164 of the general statutes to allow regional school districts to maintain a carry-over of unexpended funds from the previous fiscal year. Specifically, the bill permits these districts to deposit funds into a nonlapsing account, with a limitation that the amount does not exceed two percent of the total budgeted appropriation for the preceding year. The intent of this legislation is to promote equity in education funding by ensuring that regional boards of education have similar provisions to local school boards regarding reserve funds.

Contention

The main points of contention surrounding SB00437 revolve around the allocation and regulation of education funding at different levels of governance. Critics of the bill might argue about the implications of allowing regional districts to carry over unspent funds, expressing concerns that it could lead to inequitable practices or mismanagement of financial resources. Enthusiasts of the bill, however, contend that it is a necessary adjustment that fosters fairness between various forms of school governance and enhances the capacity of regional districts to respond to the educational needs of their communities.