Comptroller Sean Scanlon Announces Disbursement of $10 Million in Healthcare Assistance to More Than 7,000 Paraeducators
Two programs will provide financial support to critical classroom support staff on high deductible plans
(HARTFORD, CT) – Comptroller Sean Scanlon today announced that more than $10 million has been disbursed to 156 districts across Connecticut to assist more than 7,000 paraeducators with health insurance costs.
“Paraeducators play an indispensable role in our schools, yet many struggle to both stay in the field and afford basic necessities like housing and healthcare” said Comptroller Scanlon. “Through this program, we are helping our cities and towns keep more paraeducators in the classroom and making sure our kids get the quality education they deserve.”
Paraeducators play a vital role in school ecosystems, providing direct support to both teachers and students. The original program was established as part of the 2023-2024 biennium budget. In 2023, more than 4,100 paraeducators received assistance averaging $1,185.
Approximately 4,000 paraeducators enrolled in a high deductible health plan with a health savings account who are employed by a local or regional school district are eligible for a one-time stipend. In addition, a newly eligible population of about 3,000 paraeducators will receive just over 7% of their healthcare premium costs if they are enrolled in a traditional, premium-based plan.
Deposited into school district bank accounts last week, paraeducators who qualify for assistance should expect to see a deposit in their health savings account (HSA) or a lowering of their premium cost in the coming weeks.
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Top 10 Districts: Paraeducators Receiving Assistance |
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|
District |
Number of Paraeducators |
|
Stamford Public Schools |
372 |
|
Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) |
251 |
|
Bridgeport Public Schools |
198 |
|
New Haven Public Schools |
187 |
|
Southington Public Schools |
171 |
|
Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) |
165 |
|
Fairfield Public Schools |
160 |
|
Waterbury Public Schools |
151 |
|
Danbury Public Schools |
143 |
|
Torrington Public Schools |
118 |
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Top 10 Districts: Funds Received |
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|
District |
Amount Received |
|
Stamford Public Schools |
$543,916.59 |
|
New Haven Public Schools |
$375,324.97 |
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Bridgeport Public Schools |
$357,152.93 |
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Fairfield Public Schools |
$330,647.82 |
|
Trumbull Public Schools |
$281,755.10 |
|
Hartford Public Schools |
$280,006.58 |
|
Westport Public Schools |
$263,009.70 |
|
West Hartford Public Schools |
$246,912.32 |
|
Southington Public Schools |
$228,266.36 |
|
Greenwich Public Schools |
$220,613.20 |