EASTCONN IMPACT
Communities in Need
MISSION EASTCONN, in service to others, will empower
Map of Young People Aged 14-16 Experiencing Disconnection in Connecticut
CORE BELIEFS Equitable Access empowers individuals,
all learners to achieve academic and personal excellence by advocating for innovative partnerships that can have a transformative impact on individuals, schools, and communities. schools, and communities. Diverse Partnerships elevate inquiry and sustainable solutions. Innovation energizes our organization. Reflective Practice enriches the lives of those we serve.
EASTCONN District by the Numbers
Call for Support EASTCONN plays an indispensable
role in northeastern Connecticut, a region that has the lowest per capita income statewide. Our agency of 600+ employees provides services that extend beyond traditional K-12 education, reaching thousands of individuals from birth to adulthood. As the primary service provider in the region, EASTCONN fills critical gaps that no other organization can comprehensively address.
An investment in EASTCONN is an investment in northeastern Connecticut’s future. While the agency remains committed to providing affordable, essential services to our communities, we face critical financial challenges that require immediate attention. The prior administration made decisions that damaged our ability to generate annual surpluses. The systemic depletion of our reserves eliminated our financial flexibility. It is not uncommon to operate some programs at a loss for a period of time. Keeping our rates significantly below operating costs has depleted our reserves and eliminated our financial flexibility. With operational costs rising and significant rate increases looming, our communities - already stretching to accommodate annual budget increas-
es - risk losing access to services that drive both educational excellence and economic growth. EASTCONN’s services are critical to the communities we serve. There is no single alternative agency, nor network of smaller agencies positioned to fill the void should we no longer be able to operate. Over the past two years, we have implemented significant operational improvements, cost-control measures, and strategic restructuring to ensure our long-term sustainability, all without compromising the quality of our essential services. Even with these efforts, we find ourselves in need of additional financial support. We welcome the opportunity to explore potential solutions, whether through increased funding or other forms of assistance, to ensure our agency’s long-term viability. An investment in EASTCONN is an investment in northeastern Connecticut’s future. Strategic funding support would allow us to stabilize our rates, maintain vital services, and continue driving economic growth through our workforce development programs and community partnerships. Together, we can ensure our region’s families, schools and communities continue to access the affordable, quality services they depend on for success.
33 Towns 36 Districts 83 District Schools 257,100+ Residents 39% District students that
receive free or reduced lunch
25% Minority Population
16.7% Child poverty rate
in Windham County
(highest in Connecticut)
$71,418 Median Household Income in Windham County (lowest in Connecticut)
EASTCONN Provides District-funded programs: • • • • •
Regional transportation solutions Educational alternatives / magnet schools Essential special education programs Student food services Shared services, including back office, technology and staffing
Grant-funded programs: • •
FREE Early childhood education and childcare FREE adult education programs and job training programs