Connecticut awarded $10.6 million in state grants to 41 special education programs, Governor Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker announced. The funding, distributed in the first round of the High-Quality Special Education Incentive Grant Program, was created by legislation proposed by the governor and approved by the Connecticut General Assembly.
The grant program aims to help school districts build or expand in-district and regional special education services that support students with disabilities and reduce out-of-district placements, which have become a significant cost driver for districts. Districts submitted competitive applications by July 10, 2026. Individual applications were eligible for up to $350,000, while collaborative proposals received up to $500,000.
The state approved approximately $8.9 million for programmatic costs, including planning, staffing, instructional materials, professional development, and assistive technology. The remaining $1.7 million was allocated for capital improvements including facilities renovations, equipment, and transportation infrastructure.
Approved programs include new initiatives for students with significant disabilities, therapeutic support programs at high schools, expanded inclusive co-teaching classes, and community-based transition programs for students ages 18 to 22 with disabilities. One program is designed to return 15 students currently in out-of-district placements to their home community.