Federation of Connecticut Taxpayer Organizations

Special recognition is given to Alderman Lawrence J. Hermanowski who initiated the following Resolution, which would ultimately allow New Britain high school students to participate in a three year early graduation program with the reward of a local �subsidy to be applied to furthering their educational goals.��

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The Federation of Connecticut Taxpayer Organizations, Inc. (FCTO) is encouraging legislative bodies in the 169 towns throughout Connecticut to adopt a similar format for their community in the implementation of this program.�� FCTO is also encouraging Governor Rell and all State Legislators to participate in this program through the inclusion of a state sponsored scholarship program for students who elect to complete their public high school education in three years.� �For Connecticut to compete nationally and globally, our focus should be on producing a highly skilled and educated work force.� We believe this can be accomplished through the implementation of these two programs; i.e. early graduation with a local subsidy and a state-sponsored public-private scholarship program.� ��

Congratulations to the residents of New Britain who will benefit from the pioneering spirit of their elected officials in their goal to provide greater opportunities for their children to advance their education!

The Federation also acknowledges and extends our appreciation to the Yankee Institute for initiating the Early Graduation Plan for Connecticut as we feel confident that not only will students benefit academically and financially but taxpayers will as well.� �

Resolution

WHEREAS, the citizens of the City of New Britain place the education of our children as a major priority, and

WHEREAS, the cost of educating our high school Students is approximately $10,500.00 per year, and

WHEREAS, The New Britain High School is facing a major overcrowding situation, and

WHEREAS, the cost of higher education is also escalating, and

WHEREAS, a unique opportunity has been presented by the Yankee Institute for Public Policy, to reduce the overall cost of the Town�s education budget, and provide our students with much needed funds for furthering their education via a monetary scholarship towards tuition in an accredited institution of learning, THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED, The leadership of the Common Council and the Board of Education appoint within a week after passage of this resolution a �Joint Policy Committee� consisting of� (4) Town Council� members and (3) Board of Education members to review and formulate a plan of implementation of the Yankee Institute�s report, � The Early Graduation Reward Plan�, AND BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED, the appointed �Joint Policy Committee�, hold a Public hearing on the subject within (1) month after their appointment and formalization, AND BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED, the Committee present their final plan of implementation to the Common Council for their March 23, 2005 meeting