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SB 351

AN ACT ESTABLISHING STANDARD OF REVIEW FOR TEACHER TERMINATION DECISIONS AND REQUIRING TERMINATION HEARINGS TO BE BEFORE A NEUTRAL ARBITRATOR.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Delnicki and 14 co-sponsors

SB 351 requires Connecticut school districts to prove just cause before firing teachers and mandates independent arbitrator hearings for termination disputes.

FILE NO. 353
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Bill Summary · SB 351

Legislative bill overview

SB 351 establishes a "just cause" standard for terminating Connecticut teachers, meaning employers must demonstrate legitimate, substantive reasons before dismissal. The bill also requires that termination disputes be resolved through hearings before neutral arbitrators rather than through existing administrative procedures.

Why is this important

Currently, teacher termination processes vary by district and may lack standardized protections or neutral review mechanisms. This bill would significantly strengthen job security for educators by raising the bar for dismissal and ensuring independent adjudication, potentially affecting hiring, firing, and labor relations across Connecticut's public school systems.

Potential points of contention

  • Administrative burden and cost: School districts may face increased legal expenses and delays in removing ineffective or problematic teachers, potentially creating complications for classroom management and student outcomes
  • Definition of "just cause": The bill's specific language around what constitutes valid grounds for termination is unclear, which could lead to litigation over borderline cases and inconsistent enforcement
  • Balance between teacher protection and accountability: Critics may argue the provision makes it too difficult to remove underperforming teachers, while supporters contend current systems allow arbitrary termination and protect vulnerable educators from political or discriminatory firing

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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