Southington superintendent advocates for school repair funding at finance committee hearing

The Connecticut State Legislature's Finance Revenue and Bonding Committee held a public hearing on March 24, 2025, focusing on critical funding issues for public schools. The meeting featured testimonies from various school district leaders advocating for House Bill 7239, which aims to establish a dedicated funding program for school repair and improvement projects.

Superintendents from Southington and Putnam Public Schools highlighted the urgent need for financial support to address deferred maintenance and essential repairs in their districts. Steve Madanci, Superintendent of Southington Public Schools, emphasized that inadequate funding has led to significant delays in necessary repairs, such as roof replacements and boiler upgrades. He noted that the proposed bill could provide approximately $265,000 in dedicated funding, which would directly benefit student programs and services.

Similarly, Steve Ryu from Putnam Public Schools expressed concerns about the financial strain on local taxpayers due to rising school budgets. He explained that without state support, smaller maintenance projects often get cut, leading to larger issues down the line. Ryu advocated for the bill, stating it would allow districts to plan more effectively and manage their budgets better.

Laurel Steinhauser, Chairperson of the Portland Board of Education, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of a predictable funding source for minor repairs. She pointed out that local taxpayers currently bear the burden of these costs, which often leads to necessary repairs being deferred. Steinhauser argued that the proposed program would enable districts to maintain safe and healthy learning environments.

Elaine Maynard Adams, Chairwoman of the New London Board of Education, also supported the bill, highlighting the challenges faced by her district in balancing maintenance needs with educational priorities. She noted that air quality issues in schools are a pressing concern, particularly for students from low-income families.

The testimonies collectively underscored the critical need for state funding to support school maintenance and improvement projects. The proposed House Bill 7239 aims to address these challenges by providing a dedicated funding stream, allowing districts to prioritize essential repairs and enhance the learning environment for students across Connecticut. The committee's decision on this bill could significantly impact the future of school facilities and student outcomes in the state.