Data released by the Connecticut Education Association (CEA) shows that nearly 300 teachers and positions were cut in school budgets across the state, leaving districts to begin the new school year short‑handed. While the numbers do not include the largest cities—Bridgeport, New Haven, and Hartford—the districts that reported the biggest reductions were Stamford and North Haven.
North Haven feels the impact
Krista Kaplan, an eighth‑grade teacher and president of the North Haven Education Association, said her district eliminated 26 teachers and positions, including seventh‑grade world language teachers, coordinators, and elementary‑school roles. “We’ve been asked to do more with less for years now, and this year it’s really taken a toll on our staff,” Kaplan said.
Class sizes have risen as a result. Kaplan noted that from fourth grade through high school, average class size has grown from 20 students to 25. “If I have an hour‑and‑a‑half class, that’s really only a couple of minutes I get to dedicate to each student, and that impacts our ability to build relationships,” she explained.
Statewide teacher shortage continues
According to the CEA, about 97 teachers are slated for layoff and 174 positions will be eliminated through attrition—retirements and resignations—based on data collected in June. The association warned that the shortage is a continuing crisis that strains schools and hurts students. CEA President Kate Dias said, “When there aren’t enough certified educators, students don’t get the individual attention, support, and instruction they need to thrive. Teachers are stretched thinner, classrooms become harder to manage, and students suffer the consequences.”
Although the state will provide additional funding for the next fiscal year, officials say the boost is temporary and will not be factored into the formula that determines each district’s ongoing funding level.
What parents can do
Parents in affected districts are encouraged to stay engaged with school boards and district officials, voice concerns about class size, and support local efforts to retain and recruit qualified teachers. Community involvement remains a key factor in ensuring that schools can provide the individualized attention students deserve.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
