Newtown Schools Receive Special Education Grant

NEWTOWN, CT — Newtown schools will receive more than $265,000 through a new state grant program designed to expand special education services within local school districts.

Newtown was awarded $265,580 through Connecticut's newly established High-Quality Special Education Incentive Grant Program, Gov. Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker announced Monday.

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The entire Newtown award is designated for programmatic costs. Under the grant program, that funding can support planning and start-up costs, staffing, assistive technology, instructional materials, professional development and flexible learning models.

Newtown is among recipients of $10.6 million awarded to 41 special education programs across Connecticut during the first round of the competitive grant program.

The initiative is intended to help school districts develop and expand in-district or regional special education services, allowing more students with disabilities to learn in their home communities while reducing reliance on out-of-district placements.

"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 said in a statement.

Individual school districts were eligible to receive grants of up to $350,000.