RIDGEFIELD, CT — Ridgefield is among 41 special education programs in Connecticut receiving state grants through the first round of the High-Quality Special Education Incentive Grant Program, according to Gov. Ned Lamont's office.
Ridgefield is receiving a $350,000 grant for programming.
Lamont and Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker announced that $10.6 million in grants are being awarded statewide through the new competitive grant program, which is administered by the Connecticut State Department of Education.
The program was created under legislation proposed by Lamont and approved by the Connecticut General Assembly as Public Act 25-93. It is intended to help local and regional boards of education build in-district or regional special education services for 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 the release.
Lamont said special education services have been among the largest cost drivers for school districts in recent years because of an increase in the number of students eligible for services and rising costs, particularly for students placed in approved out-of-district special education programs.
"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 the release.
Russell-Tucker said the grants will give participating districts resources to expand in-district special education programs for students with disabilities.
Districts seeking grants under the first round were required to apply by July 10, 2026. Individual district applications were eligible for up to $350,000, while collaborative proposals were eligible for up to $500,000.
Statewide, the approved grants include about $8.9 million for program costs and $1.7 million for eligible capital improvements, according to the release. Program funding may 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.
The release cited examples of possible funded work, including intensive learning programs for students with significant disabilities, therapeutic social, emotional and behavioral support programs, expanded inclusive co-teaching classrooms, coaching and professional learning.
The state also said some combined program and capital awards will support transition programs for students ages 18 to 22 with disabilities and facilities for students with emotional disabilities and autism who need additional behavioral and emotional support.
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