School choice removed, charter schools boosted in Appropriations bill

Putting the spotlight on the need to improve the quality of education in urban schools, the legislature's Appropriations Committee has gutted a bill that would have required Connecticut to implement a voluntary statewide public school choice program and provide towns with incentives to accept students from other districts.

Instead, HB-6890 includes provisions allowing boards of education to offer interdistrict magnet school programs, create more charter schools, recruit more minority staff members and offer other programs aimed at increasing awareness of the diversity of individuals and cultures.

The bill also expands the number and location of charter schools that may be creatcd to offer innovative educational alternatives to parents and students.

As approvcd by the Education Committee, HB-6890 required the state to implement a voluntary statewidc public school choice program and provide towns with financial incentives to accept students from other districts.

That provision has been stripped from the bill, but a statewide school choice plan is expected to be debated on the floor.

The bill also calls for new ways to encourage better communication between parents and teachers-such as establishing homework hot lines to allow parents to check student assignments, parent "drop-in hours" at schools, or monthly newsletters.

Another bill, encouraging the development of a network of school readiness programs for three- and four-year olds was overwhelmingly approvcd by the Appropriations Committee. CBIA has long supported efforts to target resources to early childhood programs to help students succeed in school.

Higher Education

The Appropriations Committee also approved a bill capping administrative costs at the state's public colleges and universities. SB-385 will boost efficiency in higher education and help the state maintain its commitment to studcnts' education and research.