Press Releases
04/08/2022
Governor Ned Lamont, Connecticut State Department of Education Commissioner Russell-Tucker, and Lieutenant Governor Bysiewicz Announce 59 Winning Voice4Change Proposals
(HARTFORD, CT) – The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) today congratulated the 59 student Voice4Change proposals that emerged victorious after last week’s school ballots. Voice4Change, a first-of-its-kind campaign announced and championed in November by Governor Ned Lamont, has empowered students to decide how American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) funds are spent.
“Students across Connecticut have demonstrated that they are not only our future leaders but today’s changemakers,” said Commissioner of Education Charlene M. Russell-Tucker. “The Department looks forward to bringing the winning proposals to life in collaboration with students and districts, and we congratulate all who participated in Voice4Change for demonstrating civic engagement.”
“It’s been fascinating to see the proposals submitted by our state’s talented students,” said Lt. Governor Bysiewicz. “Each proposal provides insight to the priorities of our younger generation, and how they will help to shape and impact the future. I cannot wait to see all of the winning proposals brought to life. I congratulate not only our winners, but all of the students who participated in the Voice4Change program.”
A full list of victorious proposals can be found on the Voice4Change webpage. Among them are five Commissioner’s Choice Winners. These proposals did not win their school’s ballot but have been recognized for their innovation and will also be awarded funding.
Ensuring Accountability
The CSDE is committed to ensuring the federal relief funds are properly used to serve our school community and has set up a thorough accountability process. Every district has been assigned a CSDE program manager who is responsible for monitoring the grant and ensuring that expenditures align with the activities in their approved application.
Questions can be directed to SDE.ARPESSER@ct.gov.
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For Immediate Release: April 8, 2021
Contact: Eric Scoville
Connecticut State Department of Education
860-424-1988 (cell)
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