Education & CT's Future

Getting Involved

If your organization is interested in learning more about this topic, or is considering a locally-based forum on the subject, video and printed support material is available, as well as potential speakers and panelists.
Online Tools
Why is education important to Connecticut's future? That fundamental question was the focus of a statewide conversation across Connecticut that began in 2008 with four Town Meetings attended by business leaders, educators, community leaders, parents and students.

Panelists
  • Fernando Betancourt
    Executive Director, Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission
  • Sally Boske
    Vice President, Connecticut Association of Boards of Education
    Executive Director, Connecticut PTA
  • Christopher Bruhl
    Chief Executive Officer, Business Council of Fairfield County
  • Gary Chesley
    Superintendent of Schools, Town of Bethel
  • Christopher Clouet
    Superintendent of Schools, Town of New London
  • James P. Comer
    Yale Child Study Center, Yale University
  • Juan Figueroa
    President, Universal Health Care Foundation
  • David Fink
    Partnership for Strong Communities
  • Noel Hord
    CEO, The Hord Foundation
  • Chandler Howard
    President & CEO, Liberty Bank
  • Linda Kelly
    President, Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
  • Fran Rabinowitz
    Superintendent of Schools, Town of Hamden
  • Diane Randall
    Partnership for Strong Communities
  • John R. Rathgeber
    President & Chief Executive Officer Connecticut Business & Industry Association
  • Anthony Rescigno
    President, Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce
  • John W. Rowland
    Director, Corporation for Supportive Housing
  • Robert Santy
    President and CEO, Connecticut Economic Resource Center


The connections between education today and prosperity tomorrow became clear as participants sought ways to ensure a vibrant economy and quality of life in Connecticut.

The statewide conversation, and actions being taken, remain important to Connecticut's future.

Consider the Facts

With dramatic changes in demographics, the advance of technology, and unprecedented demands of global competition, Connecticut's long-term economic strength is in doubt.
View the Statistics (pdf)

Participating Organizations and Agencies

A statewide coalition and the Connecticut State University System (CSUS) hosted an unprecedented series of four participatory Town Meetings focusing on the critical role of education in Connecticut's future.

Participating Organizations
  • Connecticut Association of Boards of Education
  • Connecticut Business & Industry Association
  • Connecticut Office for Workforce Competitiveness
  • American Federation of Teachers (Connecticut)
  • Capitol Region Council of Governments
  • Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents
  • Connecticut Health & Education Facilities Authority
  • Connecticut State University System Foundation
  • Connecticut State University American Association of University Professors
  • Connecticut Small Business Development Centers
  • Connecticut Department of Education
  • Connecticut Department of Higher Education
  • Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges
  • Connecticut Community Colleges
  • African American Affairs Commission
  • Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission
  • Northeast Utilities Foundation
  • The Business Council of Fairfield County
  • State University Organization of Administrative Faculty, AFSCME, Council 4 - Local 2836
  • Community Renewal Team (CRT)
  • Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network
  • Connecticut State University System (CSUS)
  • Charter Oak College
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