Connecticut school districts struggling to pay for menstrual supplies

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Newly implemented legislation requires Connecticut schools to have menstrual products in its bathrooms for students starting this school year.

However, some districts are struggling to afford to implement the program as kids prepare to head back to the classroom.

It’s something Makenzie Lilygren wished was provided when she was a student.

“I think it’s important for people to have access to products, that unfortunately, there’s a monetary barrier,” she said. “Certainly, I think it can be very frustrating when you’re a young child that experiences your period for the first time when you feel shocked and you might feel scared.”

The state is trying to change that experience starting this school year, mandating menstrual supplies in female and all-gender bathrooms, and in at least one boys bathroom per school. It applies for grades 3-12.

However, Justin Harmon with New Haven Public Schools said the district is facing financial barriers to fund the policy for its 42 schools.

“Dispensers cost $400 each, and that’s a lot of dispensers, which is part of the longer-term funding challenge,” he said.

Its funding Harmon says will cost the district $200,000 a year for supplies alone. In the short term, he said the Diaper Bank of Connecticut is supplying donations starting in October. Beginning Thursday, baskets with products will be in school bathrooms.

“We will be complying with state law and making sure we have the products available as we work towards a longer solution,” Mayor Justin Elicker said.

Waterbury Public Schools is also facing challenges, telling News 8 in a statement that while the program is worthwhile, “The challenge with unfunded mandates is always appropriating money that was earmarked for other projects and still not negatively impacting those important initiatives.”

“This is a worthwhile program but it does have an initial cost of purchasing 175 dispensers.  Along with the initial cost is the yearly ongoing cost of keeping the dispensers full of types and sizes of feminine products and a sanitary way of disposal,” chief operating officer Nick Albini said.

News 8 also asked about the potential for vandalism, which was seen earlier this year in a bathroom Brookfield High School.

“We do not expect any vandalism, but we will monitor the process as we provide this cost-saving measure to students and families,” Albini said.

News 8 reached out to the Connecticut Department of Education but did not receive a response prior to broadcast deadline.

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