| July 24, 2007 | 2007-R-0452 | |
SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION GRANTS | ||
By: Judith Lohman, Chief Analyst | ||
SUMMARY
In general, the state reimburses local school districts for 20% to 80% of their eligible school construction costs. The reimbursement rate is based on the school district's wealth. The following regional and interdistrict projects receive a 95% reimbursement: interdistrict magnet schools, regional vocational agriculture centers, and regional special education facilities. Some projects are eligible for bonus reimbursements of five or 10 percentage points above the district's regular reimbursement rate. Others, mainly administrative or athletic facilities, are reimbursed at half the regular rate.
To get a school construction grant for a school project, a school district must apply to the State Department of Education (SDE) and submit plans and data on the project to the department for its approval. Before applying, the district must have local approval for the local share of the project costs. Once approved, the SDE places the project on the annual school construction priority list, which it submits to the General Assembly for its approval. No grants can be paid unless the General Assembly has approved the project. The project must also comply with various bidding and contracting requirements in order to receive a grant.
TO DATE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY HASN'T EVEN PASSED THE STATE BUDGET, LET ALONE APPROVED ANY GRANTS!
THE TOWN OF NEW FAIRFIELD AGREED NOT TO BOND THE SCHOOL PROJECT UNTIL THE STATE APPROVED THE PROJECT.
ITS TIME FOR A CHANGE
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