School Money Crisis: Why Teachers and Students Are In Trouble

The state budget for 2027 has sparked anger among Connecticut school leaders. Superintendent Steven Rioux of Putnam Public Schools is asking the town to raise property taxes by 7.23 %—a jump from last year’s 1.66 %. He says the district needs $1.6 million more to cover rising costs for health insurance and special education, but the governor’s plan does not add money from the state.

A Deeper Problem

Connecticut’s main school‑funding formula, Education Cost Sharing (ECS), has stayed the same since 2013. That means it ignores inflation and now underestimates each student’s cost by about $4,500. Even with a $95 million boost last year, teachers and administrators say the gap is still huge. The governor wants to create a “Blue Ribbon Panel” to study reforms, but many districts feel they cannot wait another year.

Local Tax Burden

New Haven’s mayor, Justin Elicker, told reporters that the city has had to raise taxes every year just to keep schools afloat. He pointed out that while the state only added about 1 % to its share, local taxpayers have paid over 10 % more in the last six years. The result is a budget shortfall of $18 million, fewer counselors and social workers, and larger class sizes.

Voices from the Front Lines

• Jamilah Prince‑Stewart praises the panel idea but warns it will do nothing if no action follows. She points out that unequal resources in schools lead to very different life outcomes for students.
• Kate Dias of the Connecticut Education Association says the slow erosion of staff has already forced schools to consider larger classes—sometimes 30 students per teacher instead of the ideal 20. She also notes that smaller classes in early grades could improve learning.
• Mark Benigni, Meriden Superintendent, calls the governor’s budget a “trainwreck for education.” He argues that without any increases, districts will be forced to cut jobs and programs. He warns that closing schools or eliminating staff is not a simple fix.

State Claims vs. Critics

State officials claim the governor’s budgets have increased school funding by 22 % and added $94.5 million to ECS for FY 2027, but critics say that still falls short of the needed inflation adjustment. If the legislature raises ECS to close the $4,500‑per‑student gap, teachers could see higher salaries and more specialists. If not, districts will keep cutting positions and shrinking services.

The Stakes

Overall, the debate centers on whether state funding can match rising costs. Without a timely increase to ECS or local tax support, schools risk losing staff, widening class sizes, and compromising the quality of education for Connecticut’s children.