Lamont lays out education priorities as Blue Ribbon Commission gets underway

June 5, 2026 - 00:04

Governor Ned Lamont has outlined his key education priorities just as a newly formed 23-member Blue Ribbon Commission starts its review of Connecticut's school funding system. The panel is tasked with a deep examination of the state's complex "Education Cost Share" formula, which determines how money is distributed to local school districts. The goal is to propose meaningful reforms to a system many critics argue is outdated and inequitable.

Lamont emphasized the need for the commission to look at the entire funding structure, not just make small adjustments. He pointed to persistent achievement gaps between wealthy and poorer communities as a sign that the current formula is not working as intended. The governor wants the panel to consider how to make funding more predictable for towns and cities, while also ensuring that money is tied to student performance and specific educational needs.

The commission includes lawmakers, educators, and finance experts. They will hold public hearings across the state over the next several months. Their final report is expected to include recommendations for a new funding model that could shift resources toward districts with higher concentrations of students from low-income families, English language learners, and those requiring special education services. Lamont has said he hopes the commission's work will lead to a fairer system that gives every child in Connecticut a real chance at a quality education.