Assuring that Hartford Public Schools students receive high-quality Special Education services and our budget can be equitably balanced, Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez, Superintendent and CEO of HPS and Jennifer Hoffman, Assistant Superintendent for Special Education and Pupil Services addressed the Select Committee on Special Education Listening Session at the Legislative Office Building on February 13, 2025. They requested adding a weight to the states funding formula for Special Education. Hartford Public Schools Special Education supports 3,400 students in HPS and an additional 1,200 students through the School/Open Choice program.
You can listen to their comments at this CT-N link by advancing to 00:15:14.
In further advocacy news, on Transit Equity Day, February 4, 2025 in Hartford, (honoring Rosa Parks, an advocate for public transportation equity, on her birthday) advocacy groups, elected officials, and residents gather at the State Capitol Building to call for more equitable public transportation. Advocates pushed for better mass transit, including free fares for K-12 students and safer bus stops. They were joined by students and the principal from University High School of Science and Engineering (UHSSE) who shared their voices in this multi-year movement for the provision of free bus transportation for our high school students. (The photo above courtesy of John Moritz / CT Mirror)
Four UHSSE students and their principal, Sean Tomany also addressed the CT Transportation Committee about expansion of the pilot program. You can see their February 10 testimony in the Transportation Committee Hearing in this CT-N video. Advance to 01:14:20.
There will be opportunities for all to advocate; please look for information coming soon to your school.
In Connected News:
IN THE NEWS: UHSSE Students Advocate for Free City Bus Passes