The proposed increase in funds would total $152 million over two years and be allocated to 117 municipalities across the state with a focus on underperforming districts, including Danbury, Norwalk and Stamford.
“Last year, with strong bipartisan support, we passed an education reform package that invests in our schools and prepares our students for real-world jobs,” Malloy said. “Today, we are reaffirming that commitment with additional funding so that we can build on the good work being done by our teachers and education leaders.”
The proposal is part of Malloy’s budget for the upcoming two years, which will be announced Wednesday.
Under the proposal, ECS aid would increase $50.7 million for the fiscal year 2014 and $101.5 million for fiscal year 2015, according to a statement from Malloy’s office.
Much of the increase would be targeted at Alliance Districts, made up of 30 districts that educate 41 percent of the state’s students, Malloy said. The funding would allow the Alliance Districts to address teacher evaluations, Common Core implementation and performance at low-performing schools.
“We have an obligation to each and every student in our schools to provide them with a quality public education so they can compete in the 21st-century economy,” Malloy said. “By recommitting these resources, we are taking a giant step forward toward achieving that goal.” If Malloy’s proposal were to pass:
• Danbury's funding would increase from $24,554,515 to $28,320,586 in 2014 and to $32,086,656 in 2015;
• Norwalk’s funding would increase from $10,672,607 to $12,376,887 in 2014 and to $14,081,167 in 2015; and
• Stamford’s funds would increase from $8,899,110 to $10,108,649 in 2014 and to $11,318,188 in 2015.
Darien, Fairfield, Greenwich, New Canaan, Ridgefield, Easton, Weston, Redding, Westport and Wilton would not see any increase in ECS funds under the plan. A complete list of the proposed funding increases can be found here.
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