Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has seated 12 members of a new task force that will recommend changes to the way state money is divided among school districts.
“It is our responsibility to routinely review the distribution of education grants to municipalities to ensure that communities are receiving a fair share of dollars under grant distribution rules, especially in light of constitutional requirements. Unfortunately, it has been quite a while since the state last had a thorough review of this system,” Malloy said. “We must ensure this formula focuses on improving educational outcomes for all of our students, regardless in which city or town they live.”
Under state statute, the group is required to submit an initial report on its findings and recommendations by Jan. 2, 2012 and its final report by Oct. 1, 2012.
Members include:
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·        Governor’s selection: Co-chair – Benjamin Barnes – Secretary, Office of Policy and Management
·        Governor’s selection: Dudley Williams – Director of District Education Strategy, GE Asset Management, former Assistant to the Commissioner, Department of Education
·        Governor’s selection: Portia Bonner, Ph.D. – Educational Consultant, Wolcott Public Schools, former Superintendent of Schools, City of New Bedford, Massachusetts
·        Governor’s selection: Theodore Sergi, Ph.D. – Former Commissioner, Department of Education
·        Governor’s selection: Dr. Elsa Núñez – President, Eastern Connecticut State University
·        Governor’s selection: Len Miller – Certified Public Accountant, Co-founder of the Fairfield County Collaborative Alliance, Treasurer of Kids in Crisis, former Chair of Stamford Achieves
·        President Pro Tempore’s selection: Co-chair Sen. Andrea Stillman
·        Senate Majority Leader’s selection: Sen. Toni Harp – Co-Chair, Appropriations Committee
·        House Speaker’s selection: Mark Benigni – superintendent of schools, City of Meriden
·        House Majority Leader’s selection: Mary Loftus-Levine – executive director, Connecticut Education Association
·        Senate Minority Leader’s selection: William Davenport – agriscience teacher, Nonnewaug High School in Woodbury, director of the Ellis Clark Regional Agriscience & Technology Program
·        House Minority Leader’s selection: Representative Michael Molgano – member, Education and Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committees
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