Report by Paula Antolini, February 8, 2019, 1:56PM EDT
Superintendent of Bethel Public Schools Dr. Christine Carver has issued a message regarding proposed bills on regionalization of Connecticut school districts:
“I have received several questions regarding proposed bills on regionalization of Connecticut school districts. In 2018, the Hartford Foundation did an extensive report on the pros and cons of regionalization of public schools in Connecticut. Their analysis includes potential impact, based on a variety of factors, including economic efficiency and more importantly, student achievement. There are two proposed bills:Proposed S.B. No. 454 SEN. LOONEY, 11th DIST. ‘AN ACT CONCERNING THE CREATION OF REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS‘, to create a more efficient educational system. REF. EDUCATION. This bill would regionalize school districts in line with current probate districts. This would create very large district with significant loss of local control over public education. The administration has already expressed concern with this proposal to our local delegation. Many of our concerns are aligned to the findings within the Hartford Foundation report.
1.
Proposed S.B. No. 454 SEN. LOONEY, 11th DIST. ‘AN ACT CONCERNING THE CREATION OF REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS‘, to create a more efficient educational system. REF. EDUCATION. This bill would regionalize school districts in line with current probate districts. This would create very large district with significant loss of local control over public education. The administration has already expressed concern with this proposal to our local delegation. Many of our concerns are aligned to the findings within the Hartford Foundation report.
2.
Proposed S.B. No. 457 SEN. DUFF, 25th DIST.; SEN. OSTEN, 19th DIST. ‘AN ACT CONCERNING THE SIZE OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS‘, to require certain small school districts to create new or join existing regional school districts. REF. EDUCATION. This bill would not affect Bethel, as it only applies to school district less than 2000. Bethel’s current enrollment is 3100.
“We believe that the part of our success as a district is in the development of curriculum and programs that benefit the children in our community. Nonetheless, we believe you should become educated on the issue and express your opinion to your delegation.”
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