While CCM was not present at the Capitol during the arrests of K–12 students and educators in Governor Lamont’s office, we cannot ignore the deeper issue driving their protest: the chronic and inequitable underfunding of Connecticut’s public education system.

Contrary to common perception, Connecticut does not lead the nation in per-pupil education spending. In fact, Connecticut isn’t even first in New England or the Northeast.  States like Vermont, New Jersey, and New York all invest more. What’s more, per-pupil spending figures don’t tell the full story. Connecticut relies far more heavily on local property taxes to fund education than most other states. For example, our neighbor Massachusetts spends roughly 40% more at the state level per student in its ten lowest-spending districts than Connecticut does in its comparable districts.

This disparity is exacerbated by the failure to update the Education Cost Sharing (ECS) formula. The foundation amount - what the state claims it costs to educate a student - hasn’t increased since 2013. Therefore, state policy indicates it costs the same to educate a child today as it did 12 years ago. This is not just outdated; it goes beyond irrational into the area of nonsensical and is completely disconnected from reality.

Instead of arresting students and educators advocating for a better future, CCM urges Governor Lamont and the General Assembly to start listening.  Students, educators, and taxpayers are increasingly burdened by policies that perpetuate inequities and consistently push costs onto municipalities.

It’s time for a funding system that reflects the real cost of education and the shared responsibility to provide it.

CT Insider - CT educators arrested outside governor's office while protesting for more school funding

New Haven Independent - $chools Protest At Capitol Ends With Arrests