On January 7, 2015, the 2015 session of the Connecticut General Assembly began.  Adjournment is scheduled for June 3, 2015.   We can expect that a plethora of proposed bills affecting Connecticut school districts will be unleashed during the session, most of which will never see the light of day.

The Education Committee will be the place where the “real” significant initial action will occur.  Hearings on those bills deemed somewhat worthy by the Committee will likely take place in February early March.  The deadline for the Committee to approve and “forward” bills out of Committee is March 30, 2015. Of course, relevant bills may also emerge from other committees (such as the Judiciary Committee), and bills effecting labor and employment issues may emerge from the Labor and Public Employees Committee.

While we do not have a crystal ball, issues that are likely to be considered in this session include 1) oversight of charter schools and charter school management organizations, 2) review of and future plans for magnet schools, 3) continuing review of the teacher evaluation system, 4) testing of students, and 5) special education funding.

Education Law Notes will follow the action at the General Assembly and report on any significant developments as they may occur.  Of course, there is always the potential for last minute surprises, including legislation emerging with little or no debate.