A coalition of six of the state’s leading education and business groups – CAPSS, CAS, CABE, CBIA, CCER, CONNCAN – outline common legislative goals

New Haven, Connecticut (January 30, 2013) — As Governor Dannel P. Malloy and the General Assembly prepare to debate the state’s budget, our partnership – composed of six education and business organizations –urges state leaders to remain committed to improving public education, primarily by protecting key measures championed last year as part of the groundbreaking education reform law (Public Act 12-116).

In the midst of budget woes, state leaders will have to make tough decisions that couldRead More »

Hartford, Connecticut (September 19, 2012)—The Connecticut Council for Education Reform (CCER) is pleased to announce the addition of Ned Lamont to their Board of Directors, effective immediately. Lamont has long been dedicated to reforming Connecticut public schools and has an extensive background in education, having taught high school in Bridgeport and at Central Connecticut State University as well as serving as a member on the board of Teach For America. “I look forward to working with CCER and our teachers to make a difference for our kids,” said Lamont, when asked about his new board position.Read More »

The Connecticut Council for Education Reform (CCER), a non-profit organization representing business and civic leaders, has gained invaluable knowledge and experience with the newest addition to its Board of Directors, Mitchell Grossinger Etess. Etess is the Chief Executive Officer of Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority and a longtime hospitality veteran.

As the CEO of Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority (MTGA), Etess is responsible for overall management and operations at MTGA’s two main establishments— Mohegan Sun in Connecticut and Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Pennsylvania. Additionally, he evaluates business planning and growth for Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority and the Mohegan Tribe.Read More »

On the heels of the bi-partisan success of Senate Bill. 458, signed by Governor Malloy on May 15, 2012, the coalition of six education, community, and business groups that worked together during the 2012 legislative session on behalf of education reform have analyzed the bill against their original recommendations and pledged to continue working together.Read More »

“Lack of urgency” in new bill considered unacceptable

HARTFORD—Six education and business groups* today released a joint analysis of revisions to Senate Bill 24 and suggestions for improving the bill to meet the challenges in Connecticut’s school system.

The group first came together in February to release a joint statement of support for significant education reform proposals. Since that point, the Education Committee worked out a version of S.B. 24 that does not reflect all stakeholder input, lacks urgency and will not bring about the bold reforms Connecticut must undertake if we are to close our worst-in-the nation achievement gaps and prepare all students to participate in the 21^st century economy.Read More »

In February, before the legislative session began, our coalition of six education and business groups came together, for the first time, to present a common position on important educational challenges facing our state.[1] At that time, we jointly called on state leaders to take action on these goals during this legislative session.

On February 8th, Governor Malloy introduced a bold set of reforms in Senate Bill 24. Unfortunately, the modified version of Senate Bill 24 that passed the Education Committee fails to move forward with several of the bold proposals Governor Malloy put forth, and it signals a lack of urgency to fix the fundamental issues that plague Connecticut’s public school system.

Read More »

NEW HAVEN, CT – The Connecticut Council for Education Reform (CCER) today announced a two-week advertising campaign to generate public awareness and engage a broader group of residents in the discussion around some of the key issues in the education reform debate during this current legislative session. The two commercials, titled “Fostering Great Teachers and Leaders” and “Turnaround Schools,” focus on two important aspects of the current education reform debate.

Read More »

Lack of transparency led to a weak version of reform bill that will impede progress for students

HARTFORD—Six education and business groups* today came together to express disappointment over the modified version of Senate Bill 24 that passed the Education Committee on Monday and the process by which it was negotiated. Here is their statement:

The new version of S.B. 24 fails to move forward with several of the bold proposals Governor Malloy put forth, and it signals a lack of urgency to fix the fundamental issues that plague Connecticut’s public school system.

Read More »

Organization also announces Board leadership changes

HARTFORD, CT –The Connecticut Council for Education Reform (CCER), a non-profit organization representing business and civic leaders, has expanded its Board of Directors with the addition of two new members. Kim Jeffery, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Waters North America, and Mary Barneby, Head of UBS Private Wealth Management in Stamford, have recently joined the Board of CCER.

Read More »

HARTFORD, CT – The executive director of the Connecticut Council for Education Reform (CCER), Rae Ann Knopf, testified today in front of the Legislature’s Education Committee in support of Senate Bill 24, “An Act Concerning Educational Competitiveness.”

Knopf expressed CCER’s strong support for the comprehensive reform bill introduced by Governor Malloy. She cited the various task forces and commissions as having served to establish the necessary research, engagement and recommendations for providing the legislature and the Governor a strong platform from which to act in catalyzing education reform in Connecticut.

Read More »