HB 6431 Summary

• Repeals and replaces Section 10-262i of the general statutes effective July 1, 2011, to modify minimum budget requirements for education in Connecticut towns.

• Allows school districts to reduce their minimum education budget requirement if they achieve savings through regionalization of services, cooperative arrangements, medical/health benefits agreements, or other commissioner-approved budgetary efficiencies.

• Establishes that for fiscal years ending June 30, 2012 and thereafter, the budgeted appropriation for education shall be no less than the amount appropriated for fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, with allowable reductions based on declining student enrollment (multiplied by $3,000 per student decline) or approved cost-saving measures.

• Requires the State Board of Education to impose a forfeiture penalty equal to twice the amount of any shortfall if a town fails to meet minimum budget requirements, withheld from the town's equalization aid grant in the second fiscal year following the failure, unless waived for good cause.

• Allows towns to defer a portion of their increase in aid to the following fiscal year with commissioner approval, provided the deferral does not involve funds required for addressing inadequate yearly progress in mathematics or reading.