Weston Schools Receive Special Education Grant

WESTON, CT — Weston schools will receive more than $124,000 through a new Connecticut grant program aimed at strengthening special education services and reducing the need for out-of-district placements.

Weston was awarded $124,305 through the state's newly established High-Quality Special Education Incentive Grant Program, Gov. Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker announced Monday.

The entire Weston award is designated for programmatic costs. The state said that type of funding can be used for planning and start-up costs, staffing, assistive technology, instructional materials, professional development and flexible learning models.

Weston 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 program was established to help local and regional school districts build or expand special education services within their communities, with the goal of allowing more students with disabilities to attend school alongside their peers while reducing reliance on more costly out-of-district placements.

Lamont said special education has become one of the largest cost drivers for school districts as both the number of eligible students and the cost of services have increased.

“This increased investment supports our municipalities and our students with special needs,” Lamont said.