GUILFORD, CT — Guilford will receive $166,500 for programming through a new state grant program aimed at helping school districts expand special education services and reduce reliance on out-of-district placements.
Gov. Ned Lamont and Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker this week announced that 41 special education programs across Connecticut are receiving $10.6 million in the first round of funding through the state's newly established High-Quality Special Education Incentive Grant Program.
The competitive grant program, administered by the CT State Department of Education, was created through legislation proposed by Lamont and approved by the Connecticut General Assembly.
The program is intended to help local and regional boards of education establish in-district or regional special education services that support students with disabilities and reduce reliance on out-of-district placements.
"It is important that school districts have the resources to support special education programming that allows more students to learn alongside their peers in their own communities," Lamont said in a news release.
"Over the last several years, special education services have been one of the largest cost drivers for school districts due to the increase in the number of students eligible for special education services and the rapid increase in the cost of those services, particularly for students outplaced in approved special education programs. This increased investment supports our municipalities and our students with special needs."
"Every student deserves access to high-quality learning opportunities that meet their individual needs and foster a strong sense of belonging in their school community," Russell-Tucker added. "Through these grants, participating districts will receive additional resources to strengthen their capacity to develop and expand in-district special education programs that ensure students with disabilities have every opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive alongside students in their neighborhood schools."
Local and regional boards of education seeking funding in this round were required to submit applications to the state by July 10, 2026. Individual district applications were eligible for up to $350,000, while collaborative proposals were eligible for up to $500,000.
The approved grants include approximately $8.9 million for programmatic costs and $1.7 million for eligible capital improvements.
Programmatic funding will support planning and start-up costs, staffing, assistive technology, instructional materials, professional development and flexible learning models. Capital funding is designated for facilities, renovations, equipment, transportation and other infrastructure needed to support the programs.
Examples of programmatic awards include establishing a new Intensive Learning and Independence Program for pre-K through grade 8 students with significant disabilities who require individualized instruction, structured teaching, functional life-skills instruction and behavioral supports.
Other examples include establishing therapeutic social, emotional and behavioral support programs at two district high schools for students with disabilities to improve attendance and behavior concerns, and expanding inclusive co-teaching classrooms, coaching and professional learning to increase opportunities for students with disabilities in general education settings and reduce out-of-district placements.
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