Connecticut House Bill HB06179

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/23
• Refer: 1/19/23

Caption

An Act Establishing A Money-follows-the-child Approach To Education Funding.

Impact

If enacted, HB 06179 would considerably impact the state's educational funding landscape. The proposed funding model seeks to encourage competition among schools, which may lead to improvements in educational quality and outcomes. However, it also raises concerns regarding the stability of funding for public schools, particularly those that serve high numbers of disadvantaged students, as funding could fluctuate based on student enrollment and movements toward different school choices.

Summary

House Bill 06179 proposes a transformative approach to education funding known as the 'money-follows-the-child' method. This approach fundamentally aims to replace the current equalization aid grant system along with other existing school choice funding programs. The bill's central premise is to allocate educational funds directly to students, allowing the funding to follow them to their chosen schools, thereby promoting flexibility and choice in educational environments. This represents a significant shift from traditional funding models based on district or school performance metrics.

Contention

The bill has generated notable discussion regarding its implications for educational equity. Proponents argue that the money-follows-the-child approach will provide families more options and enable them to seek better educational opportunities, thus addressing the needs of students more dynamically. Conversely, critics are wary that such a model may undermine public school funding and exacerbate inequalities, as schools with fewer students might struggle financially. This debate points to deeper issues within the state’s educational system regarding how best to fund schools equitably while fostering choice.