Gov. Ned Lamont has appointed Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary to the Governor’s Blue-Ribbon Commission on K-12 Education Funding and Accountability.
The commission brings together leaders from towns, school districts, schools and the state, and from the ranks of teachers, paraprofessionals, parents and school finance professionals to examine the way Connecticut funds schools.
“Connecticut makes significant investments in education, and our school system is one of the best in the country,” Lamont said. “But we can do better to support successful outcomes and ensure access for each student at every school.”
The state funding mechanism for Connecticut public schools is out of date and needs to be revised and updated to reflect today’s needs, Lamont said.
“It is time that we took a bottom-up look at how we fund our schools with a focus on ensuring funding is fair and driving the best results for our students,” the governor said.
Macary was selected for the commission because of his leadership of the Vernon Public Schools over the past 11 years and his record of ensuring students succeed.
“I am honored that you have agreed to serve on this commission,” Lamont wrote in a letter to Macary. “Your perspective will be essential as we work to identify funding methodologies that work for towns and school districts, with accountability mechanisms that make sure our students have access to the educational opportunities they deserve.”
Macary said he is ‘honored and privileged” to represent Vernon in the search for a new way to fund education across Connecticut.
“This Commission is about investing in our children’s education to ensure that all students have equitable learning opportunities regardless of where they live,” Macary said.
Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said Macary has a strong record in Vernon and will do great work on the funding commission and when he becomes superintendent in Middletown in July.
“I have worked well with Dr. Macary over the years and I’m going to miss him,” Mayor Champagne said.