Public school education is the foundation of a prosperous and just society.
Empowering young people and communities to overcome systemic inequalities.High functionality
The public school system, whether rural or urban, also contributes to maintaining a solid workforce.
We are at the forefront of global competition, benefiting residents across the state.
But in Connecticut and across the nation, public education opportunities are too often determined by deep inequalities in ZIP code and public school funding.
There are fundamental inequities in the design of public education funding that are bounded by national borders.
Local government ratios inherently favor wealthier areas with higher median incomes.
And higher real estate values generate significant revenue for schools. Unfortunately, Connecticut is no exception to this rule and is a clear example of how income disparity can be evident even in border towns.
The effects of funding inequality are multifaceted and have long-lasting effects.
The next generation. Underfunded school districts like Hartford Public Schools face myriad challenges.
challenges such as increased concentration of student needs and rising costs of special education;
Including Hartford residents and apartments who don't even attend Hartford public schools.
Incomes that cannot keep up with inflation, much less ensure that HPS students and teachers have incomes.
Resources at the same level as peers in the state.
The impact of this lack of investment will be felt not only in Hartford, but throughout the region and state as we compete for high-skilled jobs in a competitive global labor market. Addressing these glaring inequalities requires a comprehensive and committed approach. First, state governments must intervene to alleviate the disparities caused by local funding. This could include introducing funding formulas that allocate more resources to schools in need, and ensuring that special education, funded through excess cost grants, is adequately funded. There is a gender.
I commend Senate Democrats and thank Sen. Doug McCrory and the Senate for their support.
Congressman Jeff Currie took a leadership role on the Education Committee and introduced Senate Bill 5, which would fully cover the excess cost grants. I must emphasize to all other members of Congress and the Governor that this is an urgent crisis that requires immediate relief and has serious implications for the fiscal health of our district. For example, if the excess cost subsidy were fully funded, Hartford Public Schools would receive her $3.6 million in due reimbursement. If only 90% were funded, the district would get an additional $2 million. Given the current budget deficit, this money will go a long way.
Second, there must be a commitment from the City of Hartford and the Mayor to make meaningful investments in funding for Hartford Public Schools. Attracting residents to Hartford was a priority of the previous administration, and the current administration's emphasis is on homeownership. How is that possible when the city's residents have a college graduation rate of 17%? How will it compete for future jobs with neighboring cities like Boston and New York City? Reliance on state and federal funding is not a recipe for success. We must create new sources of revenue at the local level that go toward education and the social and emotional well-being of Hartford's youth.
This investment will improve the tax base, lower crime rates,
and a rich culture and community involvement.
Third, we must reexamine the unintended consequences of the school choice ecosystem that most impact Hartford and its residents. The spirit of the Sheff Agreement is our shared mission of promoting access to quality education, but we cannot pursue that goal at the expense of our neighborhood schools and residents. Next year, the district is projected to pay $122 million in tuition fees for Hartford residents to attend other schools outside of HPS. This represents nearly 33% of the entire district budget and is increasing at an accelerating rate. No such scenario is sustainable, nor can HPS students receive the same per-pupil investment as suburban students.
Taking into account the rising costs of tuition and special education, the investment per student in Hartford is about $14,800, compared to the average for the rest of the state of $18,000.this
In the near future, the discrepancy will become even greater.
We encourage all residents of the City of Hartford and Greater Hartford Area to consider this.
Let's think about this social obligation.Capitals without adequate resources and quality cities
The public school system has affected the entire state and will only become more permanent.
The systemic inequalities that progressives have been fighting for generations.Other magnet schools
It's not a panacea.
Hartford Public Schools has the parents, teachers, staff, leaders, and most importantly, thousands of talented students that make up one of the most successful urban school districts in the country. There is. We serve as an economic engine for our state and region, ensuring all citizens have the opportunity to pursue success and contribute to society in meaningful ways. It all starts with fair funding and meaningful investment from city, state, and federal officials. We can invest in education now or pay for it later.
Philip Rigere is the chairman of the Hartford Board of Education.
