West Hartford Schools Awarded Large Grant For Special Education Programs

WEST HARTFORD, CT — West Hartford Public Schools will receive $350,000 in state funding to strengthen special education services within the district and help reduce reliance on out-of-district placements.

West Hartford was awarded the funding for programming through the first round of Connecticut's new High-Quality Special Education Incentive Grant Program, Gov. Ned Lamont and state Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker announced.

The district did not receive capital improvement funding through this round.

West Hartford is among 41 special education programs statewide receiving a combined $10.6 million through the competitive grant program.

The program, administered by the Connecticut State Department of Education, was established under Public Act 25-93.

It is designed to help local and regional school systems establish or expand special education services within their districts or through regional programs.

State officials said increasing local capacity could allow more students with disabilities to attend programs alongside their peers in their home communities while reducing districts' reliance on more costly 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.

Lamont said special education services have become one of the largest cost pressures facing Connecticut school districts, citing increases in both the number of students eligible for services and the cost of out-of-district programs.

Russell-Tucker said the grants are intended to give districts more resources to develop and expand local programs for students with disabilities.

“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.

Statewide, approximately $8.9 million of the $10.6 million awarded is designated for programming, while about $1.7 million will support eligible capital improvements.

Programming grants can be used for planning and startup expenses, staffing, assistive technology, instructional materials, professional development, and flexible learning models.

Examples provided by the state include creating intensive learning and independence programs for students with significant disabilities, establishing therapeutic social, emotional and behavioral programs, and expanding inclusive co-teaching classrooms.

Capital grants awarded to other recipients can be used for construction, renovations, equipment, transportation and other infrastructure needed to operate special education programs.

The state's announcement did not specify which West Hartford programs or services will receive the district's $350,000 award.

Local and regional school boards seeking grants in the first round were required to apply by July 10.

Individual districts were eligible for awards of up to $350,000, while collaborative proposals could receive as much as $500,000.

For more information on the special education grants, click on this link.