About Us

In Connecticut, local and regional Boards of Education (BOE) operate as agents of the state,
legally mandated to fulfill the state's constitutional obligation to provide free public education,
rather than acting merely as agents of their local municipalities. They must adhere to state laws,
academic standards, and regulations set by the Connecticut State Board of Education and the
General Assembly. 

• Agents of the State: Although locally elected, BOE members are deemed "creatures of
  the state"; because they carry out the state-delegated, legally required function of
  education.
• Budgeting and Control: While local towns and cities approve the overall school budget,
  the BOE maintains control over how those funds are spent, provided they stay within the
  total appropriation.
• State Standards Compliance: Local boards must follow state education interests, which
  include mandates on curriculum, special education, and reducing racial/ethnic isolation.
• Training Requirements: Per the Connecticut General Assembly, new local board
  members must participate in mandatory training on their legal responsibilities.
• Relationship to Local Government: While they are creatures of the state, they are also
  deeply connected to municipal government, interacting with local finance boards to
  secure funding for school operations.