Governor Ned Lamont announced on Apr. 16 that he has signed Executive Order No. 26-3, creating a commission to develop a strategic plan for reforming the funding methods used for Connecticut’s K-12 public schools. The governor said the current formulas, including the Education Cost Sharing grant, are outdated and do not reflect the present needs of school districts.
The move is intended to ensure that education funding in Connecticut is fair and effective in improving student outcomes. Lamont said that while recent investments have strengthened Connecticut’s school system, there remains room for improvement. “Significant increases in investments made in our education system over the past seven years have made Connecticut’s school system one of the best in the country, however there is room to grow to ensure we are maximizing outcomes and support for each student at each school,” Lamont said.
Alongside establishing this commission, Lamont also announced plans to work with legislative leaders to allocate a significant portion of a proposed $500 million affordability fund toward supporting local school districts during this fiscal year. “I know there are school districts that cannot wait until the conclusion of this commission to address current gaps and needs,” he said.
The Governor’s Blue-Ribbon Commission on K-12 Education Funding and Accountability will review all aspects of educational funding across Connecticut and recommend improvements. The commission will examine other states’ models, key cost drivers affecting local districts, and proven strategies for boosting student success within Connecticut.
Natalie Wagner, deputy chief of staff for the Office of the Governor, will chair the commission; Charlene M. Russell-Tucker, commissioner of the State Department of Education, will serve as vice chairperson. Members from various stakeholder groups—including boards of education, town governments, teachers, special education directors, parents—will be appointed as volunteers without compensation.
“We are establishing this commission with clear-eyed objectives and intent to deliver actionable, substantive changes reflecting input from the spectrum of stakeholders,” Wagner said.
Russell-Tucker added: “The commission represents an opportunity to engage in a comprehensive, data-informed re-evaluation… Together we are committed to strengthening outcomes and ensuring every student has access to resources.”
Support for facilitators and national experts will come from Nellie Mae Education Foundation. Dr. Gisele C. Shorter, president and CEO at Nellie Mae said: “The establishment of this commission reflects a critical inflection point – a recognition that how we fund education is inseparable from whether every student can truly thrive.”
The executive order requires submission of a strategic plan by January 15, 2027.
