Proposal would move aviation maintenance into college system

The Stratford School for Aviation at Sikorsky Airport in Stratford, Conn. on Wednesday, February 1, 2017. The Stratford School for Aviation at Sikorsky Airport in Stratford, Conn. on Wednesday, February 1, 2017. Photo: Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media Buy photo Photo: Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Proposal would move aviation maintenance into college system 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

A trio of Stratford lawmakers wants to shift the state’s aviation maintenance technical schools into the regional community college system.

The effort by state Reps. Laura Hoydick, Ben McGorty, both Republicans, and Democrat Joe Gresko is aimed at making post-high school students who are part of the program eligible for scholarships and grants.

One of the state’s two aviation schools is in Stratford.

Budget cuts have forced tuition at the school to skyrocket from $6,600 to $26,000. More than once, the school has been on the chopping block before being rescued.

“Aviation careers are essential to our region,” said Hoydick, who along with her colleagues testified before the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee. “The budget cuts and resulting tuition increases have caused a significant drop-off in enrollment at these aviation schools.”

Moving the school into the community college system, she added, would put the program where it belongs.

“It’s clear that the level of skill and instruction involved in these aviation schools has a more appropriate home in a college-level system,” McGorty said. “This move will also provide students with the ability to avail themselves of greater financial support and resources otherwise not available to them.”

“They just need some assistance with financial aid.,” Gresko said.

Joseph Scarduzio, who heads the Stratford program, said it helps train students to become federally certified aircraft mechanics. Most who graduate stay in the state. Aviation maintenance is the last adult education program run by the technical high school system.

“We have one foot in the (technical high schools) and one foot in the (community college) system,” Scarduzio said. “It is time for the program to take the other foot forward.”

Others aren’t so sure. The state’s Board of Regents, which oversees community colleges, has serious concerns with the financial implications of the proposal.