December 13, 2013

GOV. MALLOY & EDUCATION COMMISSIONER STATEMENTS ON NEW SHEFF V. O'NEILL AGREEMENT

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy and State Department of Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor released the following statements regarding the new agreement reached today under the Sheff v. O'Neill decision.

"This agreement honors the important objectives established by the landmark Sheff v. O'Neill decision, and reflects Connecticut's continuing commitment to improving educational opportunities for students," said Governor Malloy. "In these negotiations, the state fought hard to open more seats for Hartford's children in a variety of learning environments. The agreement also commits resources to improving Hartford's neighborhood schools through a process of consultation and engagement with the community."

Governor Malloy continued: "Over the past 10 years, the state of Connecticut has spent approximately $2.5 billion in capital and operating funds to comply with the Sheff decision. Over the next year, it will be important to take a hard look at what's changed since this case was decided nearly twenty years ago - to listen to parents, students, and the community; to acknowledge the complex demographic changes in the region; and to focus, first and foremost, on making a quality education available to every child."

Commissioner Pryor stated: "We are proud of our collective accomplishments to date and are pleased with the outcome of these multi-party negotiations. The agreement reached today advances our collaborative effort to provide more high quality public education options to students of the Hartford region."

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For Immediate Release: December 13, 2013

Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy