Teachers, parents, lawmakers, and community members share stories of lost opportunities, jeopardized futures, and real, devastating impact of lost funding
Ongoing assaults on federal education funding threaten schools across the country, with districts in Connecticut facing budget cuts as they struggle to provide students the resources they need to be successful.
At a news conference at Manchester High School today, teachers, parents, lawmakers, and community members shared powerful stories and the harsh realities of the impact on Connecticut schools, which stand to lose more than $321 million in federal grant funding.
The loss of these funds severely impacts programs that support low-income students, early childhood education, children with disabilities, and more—limiting student access to essential learning, resources, and opportunities.
“These cuts are devastating for our students, their families, and our entire education system,” said CEA President Kate Dias. “They disproportionately affect those who need the most help and already face the greatest challenges—students in our poorest communities, those with the greatest needs, and young learners entering the education system in Head Start programs. Without these vital programs, we risk leaving behind a generation of students.”
Without federal funding, school districts will lose millions for critical services for students, and will have to consider cutting essential programs, reducing staff, and limiting resources that are crucial to student success.
“President Trump’s gutting of education spending will have devastating consequences for Connecticut students, families, and teachers,” said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal. “Slashing this federal funding, much of which was already approved by Congress, will imperil crucial programs that support students and keep kids on track. I will continue fighting these draconian and short-sighted cuts so that every child in our state can continue to benefit from a top-notch education.”
Manchester faces a shortfall of $6.7 million in federal funding, and districts coming up against similar losses must weigh cuts to critical student services and resources, staff, and essential programs.
“The plan to eliminate federal education funding leaves school districts like ours with tough decisions to make—cutting back on services, staff, and resources that are critical to our students’ education,” said Manchester Superintendent of Schools Matt Geary. “We’re calling on our leaders to protect funding and invest in the future of our students, ensuring that every child has the resources they need to succeed and become the future leaders of Connecticut and our nation.”
Districts that would lose the most funding include
Waterbury ($23.8 million)
Bridgeport ($22.5 million)
New Haven ($21 million)
Hartford ($18.2 million)
New Britain ($12.1 million)
Stamford ($11.4 million)
Norwalk ($ 9.2 million)
Meriden ($8.2 million)
Danbury ($7.8 million)
CREC ($6.2 milllion)
East Hartford ($6.2 million)
“The loss of millions in federal funding jeopardizes our public education system, the foundation of our democracy, and puts our children’s future at risk,” Dias stressed.
The successful Head Start program, which provides education, health, nutrition, and parent support services to low-income families, is among those losing federal funding. In Manchester, defunding this program would have devastating consequences for families and would be a step backward for equity, opportunity, and the well-being of the community.
“Head Start is more than just an educational program—it provides a crucial foundation that ensures every child’s journey begins with the support they need to succeed,” said Manchester Head Start teacher Suzanne Slater. “Manchester currently receives $1.7 million in federal funding for this vital program, and without those funds, we would lose the resources and community-building efforts that give children the best possible start in life, limiting their potential and future success.”
Connecticut is already feeling the effects of these federal cuts. As universities confront the loss of millions of dollars to train the next generation of educators, Connecticut’s teacher shortage will remain at crisis levels.
“These college programs are essential for diversifying the teaching profession and for training paraprofessionals and substitute teachers to gain the skills and certifications they need to enter the profession,” said Dias. “We are losing more teachers than we are able to recruit, and without these programs and the necessary investment to sustain them, our classrooms will remain understaffed, leaving students without the experienced educators they deserve.”
As part of its advocacy efforts, CEA is encouraging everyone—students, parents, administrators, lawmakers, and community members—to participate in the Champions for Public Education Day of Action on March 4, by wearing red to show support for our schools and the need to restore and protect essential education funding.
“We all need to stand together, every one of us, to draw attention to the importance of public education and the need for federal funding to provide resources for programs that support student growth and development,” said Manchester Board of Education Chair Tracy Patterson.
“We cannot overstate or underestimate the negative consequences these planned cuts will have on our public schools,” said Dias. “Stand with us on March 4, shoulder to shoulder, wearing red for ed. Now is the time to raise our voices, demand action from our leaders, and fight for the future our children deserve.”
