CT SB01015

Allows local or regional school boards in towns receiving less than 3% equalization aid or declining all such aid to request waivers of state education mandates from the Commissioner of Education, effective July 1, 2017.

Exempts certain provisions from waiver eligibility, including special education requirements (chapters 166, 169, 172), civil rights protections (sections 10-14n to 10-14w), curriculum standards (sections 10-221a, 10-221d), and all federal law requirements.

Requires waiver requests to demonstrate protection of sound educational practices, health and safety of students and personnel, and equal learning opportunities; Commissioner may grant unless these standards are not met.

Mandates Commissioner submit monthly reports to the State Board of Education on granted waivers, which may revoke any waiver determined to endanger safety or compromise educational quality.

Requires State Board to report waiver descriptions to the legislature's education committee and submit recommendations by January 1, 2019 on continuing the Commissioner's waiver authority.