Substitute Senate Bill No. 1458 proposes significant reforms to Connecticut's educational framework, particularly affecting the Commissioner’s Network of Schools and the Alliance District Programs, which will now be referred to as Opportunity Districts. The bill establishes a new timeline for selecting schools for the network, allowing no new selections after July 1, 2025, and limiting current participants to a maximum of three years without extensions. It emphasizes the development of turnaround plans for schools, prioritizing those that volunteer for participation and those with expired collective bargaining agreements. Additionally, the bill reduces the number of Alliance Districts from 36 to 15, introduces the term "Legacy Alliance Districts" for those previously designated until June 30, 2025, and modifies the criteria for designating these districts based on accountability index scores.

The legislation also revises the equalization aid grant system, ensuring that Opportunity and Legacy Alliance Districts receive adequate funding based on their previous fiscal year entitlements or fully funded grants. It repeals certain existing provisions and replaces them with new language that aligns with the updated designations. Furthermore, the bill establishes a reading readiness program aimed at enhancing early literacy in Opportunity Districts, with assessments and tiered support for students in kindergarten through grade three. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025, and the overall goal of the bill is to streamline educational support and funding mechanisms while focusing resources on districts with the greatest need.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-262u, 10-4q, 10-14y
ED Joint Favorable: 10-262u, 10-4q, 10-14y
File No. 701: 10-262u, 10-4q, 10-14y