Officials from Connecticut's 30 lowest-performing public school districts met with state Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor in Hartford on Wednesday to discuss the details of a $39.5 million conditional funding program that is part of the state's new education reform package, according to the Hartford Courant.
Along with a Boston-based non-profit organization, the meeting discussed ways in which superintendents could utilize the funds, including extending school hours and enhancing literary programs. The districts have until July 13 to submit preliminary applications and Aug. 15 for final applications. According to Pryer, the state is looking to have applications approved by Aug. 31.
The National Center on Time & Learning will also assist five qualifying districts in creating a plan to extend school hours. The organization will choose those districts by July 29.
The 30 lowest-performing schools in the state include Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, Danbury, Middletown, Naugatuck, Manchester, East Haven, Hamden, Vernon, Meriden, New London and New Haven.
