CT SB00007

Increases the education funding "foundation" amount from $11,525 per student (FY 2014-2026) to $12,500 (FY 2027), rising annually to $15,500 by FY 2030, with automatic inflation adjustments thereafter

Establishes a working group to study the equalization aid grant formula and state education funding, with 16 members including municipal officials, principals, teachers' union representatives, and a public school student, required to report recommendations by January 1, 2027

Expands the "regional bonus" definition to include $100 per student for districts without high schools that pay tuition for students to attend another district's high school

Creates the STIPEND program providing $1,000 per week to student teachers completing placements in distressed municipalities, with a five-year teaching commitment requirement in distressed districts or full reimbursement

Requires the State Board of Education to add nine religious holidays (including Three Kings Day, Good Friday, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Diwali, and Lunar New Year) to the definition of "excused absence" by October 1, 2026