School leaders from across the state headed to Hartford on Wednesday to protest cuts to magnet schools.

Gov. Ned Lamont's budget proposal shifts more than $40 million away from magnet school tuition, meaning local school districts will have to cover the difference.

Several superintendents pushed for a bill to give magnet schools more money.

"Phasing out general education tuition billing would also save our district hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, and these dollars would stay in our classrooms," said Dr. Camela Levy, Bridgeport school’s superintendent.

The legislation also accelerates a new school funding formula that sends more money to struggling districts.