The proposed bill, sSB1512, establishes the School District Accountability Review Board (DARB) within the Department of Education to enhance financial management and fiscal accountability for local and regional boards of education identified as needing improvement. The DARB will consist of 13 members, including the Office of Policy and Management secretary, the education commissioner, and 11 appointed members with expertise in education and school district management. Initial appointments are required by September 1, 2025, with members serving six-year terms. The board is tasked with submitting an annual report on its activities starting January 1, 2026.

Additionally, the bill amends existing law by repealing subsections (e) and (f) of section 10-223e and replacing them with new provisions that empower the State Board of Education (SBE) to take specific actions to improve student performance in low-achieving schools or districts. These actions include conducting audits, directing the use of state and federal funds, and providing incentives for qualified educators. The bill also allows the SBE to seek legislative authorization for DARB to take control of a low-achieving district's financial operations if there is no acceptable progress for two consecutive years. Furthermore, it mandates a forensic audit of the Bridgeport school district's financial operations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, with findings to be reported to the Education Committee. The majority of the bill's provisions will take effect on July 1, 2025, while the audit provisions will take effect immediately upon passage.