The proposed bill, Substitute Senate Bill No. 1, aims to enhance early childhood education and improve educational accountability in Connecticut through the establishment of the Universal Preschool Trust and the introduction of various funding and support programs. The Universal Preschool Trust will be funded by transfers from the state's unappropriated surplus, with a maximum allocation of $300 million for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, and will support early care and education programs. The bill outlines eligibility criteria for boards of education, eligible expenses for funding, and mandates the creation of a centralized online enrollment portal for families. Additionally, it establishes the Universal Preschool Trust Board to oversee the trust's administration and ensures that the trust's funds are not commingled with state funds.

The bill also introduces significant changes to existing educational frameworks, including the repeal of the alliance district program and the replacement of the term "alliance district" with "priority school district" throughout various statutes. This shift aims to streamline funding and eligibility criteria while expanding access to educational programs. The bill mandates local boards of education to report on various metrics, including classroom sizes and student-teacher ratios, and requires consideration of homelessness during expulsion hearings. Furthermore, it establishes a pilot program for student success coaches to support at-risk students and modifies grant programs to enhance educational resources. Overall, the legislation seeks to improve access to quality education and ensure accountability in the use of educational funds, with many provisions set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Committee Bill: 3-13c, 10-505b, 10-227, 10-198d, 10-222, 10-248a, 10-222o, 8-265pp, 10-4q, 10-14u, 10-14y, 10-262h, 10-265h, 10-265o, 10-265p, 10-265q, 12-635
ED Joint Favorable: 3-13c, 10-505b, 10-227, 10-198d, 10-222, 10-248a, 10-222o, 8-265pp, 10-4q, 10-14u, 10-14y, 10-262h, 10-265h, 10-265o, 10-265p, 10-265q, 12-635
File No. 637: 3-13c, 10-505b, 10-227, 10-198d, 10-222, 10-248a, 10-222o, 8-265pp, 10-4q, 10-14u, 10-14y, 10-262h, 10-265h, 10-265o, 10-265p, 10-265q, 12-635