Hartford Public Schools CT public meetings in 2025
71 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of Education Regular Meeting
The Hartford Board of Education holds its regular December meeting at Weaver High School. Members swear in new board member Madison Csejka and receive reports from the Chair, Superintendent, Teaching & Learning, Policy, and Family & Community Engagement committees. Discussions include adult-education grants, literacy-support contracts, policy updates, and holiday-engagement programs.
- Swearing-in of new board member Madison Csejka
- Adult-education grants review including $114,720 literacy-support contract with The Hill for Literacy for 10 schools
- Policy updates: Food Services No Charging Policy and By-law 93.21.2 consent-agenda changes
- Holiday engagement programs: coat drive, toy drive, food pantry donations, and family gift-card matching
- School choice application windows: Magnet Choice open Dec 3–Feb 6, district choice open Jan 9–Apr 10
Board of Education Regular Meeting
The Hartford Board of Education holds its regular meeting to swear in new member Madison Csejka and receive reports from committees, including updates on adult education grants and literacy support services. The board also discusses policy changes and community engagement initiatives.
- New Board Member Madison Csejka sworn in during Oath of Office
- Adult education grants discussed, including $114,720 literacy support contract with Hill for Literacy for 10 schools
- Policy Committee reviews Food Services No Charging Policy and By-law 93.21.2 changes
- Family & Community Engagement Committee discusses holiday programs and Title I funds
- Teaching & Learning Committee presents on adult education programs and literacy improvement strategy
Finance & Audit Committee
The Hartford Public Schools Finance & Audit Committee will meet virtually on December 8, 2025, to approve a contract with Timely and receive updates on monthly financials through October 31, 2025, and discuss FY 2026-27 budget development.
- Contract Approval: Timely
- Monthly Financials - Through October 31, 2025
- Budget Development: FY 2026-27
Family & Community Engagement Committee
The Family & Community Engagement Committee of Hartford Public Schools met virtually to receive informational updates on enrollment, Title I programs, partnerships, and school governance. No decisions were listed on the agenda; all items were informational or reports.
- Office of Enrollment & School Choice Update
- Title I Report and FCSSP School Spotlight
- Partnerships & Community Schools Update
- Welcome Center Report for October 2025–26
- School Governance Council Report
Policy Committee
The Hartford Public Schools Policy Committee will hold a virtual meeting on December 1, 2025, to conduct second readings on policies including a no-charging rule for food services and a proposed change to meeting conduct rules. The committee will also review a batch of policies with no changes and hear first readings on educator reference checks and increasing educator diversity.
- Second reading of Food Services - No Charging Policy
- Second reading of Bylaw 9321.2 to move consent agenda
- Batch review of 20 policies with no changes
- First reading of 4112.51 - Employment Reference Checks
- First reading of 4111.3 - Increasing Educator Diversity
Teaching & Learning Committee
The Teaching & Learning Committee will discuss and seek board approval to accept state grant funds for Hartford Public Schools' adult education programs. The committee will also receive an informational presentation on elementary teaching and learning initiatives and a literacy contract update.
- Request Board of Education approval to accept Adult Education Grants at December 16th meeting
- HILL for Literacy contract update (2025-26)
- Department of Elementary Teaching & Learning presentation
Finance & Audit Committee
The Finance & Audit Committee will decide whether to approve a contract with Pullman & Comley and receive updates on the current fiscal year’s finances and the upcoming FY2026-27 budget development process. The meeting includes informational presentations on FY2025-26 monthly finances and FY2026-27 budget planning.
- Contract approval for Pullman & Comley
- Monthly update on FY2025-26 finances
- Discussion on FY2026-27 budget development
Family & Community Engagement Committee
The committee is meeting virtually to receive updates and reports. The agenda includes informational items regarding Title I and school governance.
- Title I Report and FCSSP School Spotlight
- Welcome Center Report for September SY 25-26
- School Governance Council Membership report for 2025-2026
Board of Education Regular Meeting
The Hartford Board of Education holds a virtual workshop meeting to review the 2024-25 Next Generation Accountability Results. No formal decisions are scheduled; the session is informational.
Policy Committee
The Policy Committee will hold a second reading and potential adoption of a policy regarding the protection of undocumented students. The body will also conduct a first reading of a food services no-charging policy and review a batch of policies with no changes. Discussions are scheduled regarding bylaws for consent agendas and advisory committees.
- Second reading and adoption: Protection of Undocumented Students
- First reading: Food Services - No Charging Policy
- Review of 21 policies with no changes, including firearms on school property and gifts to personnel
- Discussion on Bylaw 9321.2 regarding consent agendas
- Discussion on proposed change to Bylaw 9321 regarding Ad Hoc & Advisory Committees
Teaching & Learning Committee
The Teaching & Learning Committee is meeting to review and approve contracts for sports and flooring services. The body will also consider the acceptance of NEAG Grant funds for Kennelly School and receive an update on Special Education/MTSS.
- Contract approval for 241 Sports
- Acceptance of NEAG Grant funds for Kennelly School
- Contract approval for Dalene Flooring for SMSA/UHSSE gym floors
- Update and discussion on Special Education/MTSS
Board of Education Regular Meeting
The Board of Education will hear committee reports and consider action on a $277,840 contract with the Urban League of Greater Hartford for wraparound services at Weaver High School. The Policy Committee recommends adopting a school volunteers policy and a first reading of a policy to protect undocumented students. The Finance Committee reported a $10 million deficit covered by city surplus and declining enrollment of about 1,400 students.
- Proposed $277,840 contract with Urban League of Greater Hartford for community schools programming at Weaver High School
- Second reading and adoption of school volunteers policy
- First reading of policy to protect undocumented students from ICE access without judicial warrant
- Finance Committee report of $10 million deficit covered by city fund balance surplus
- Enrollment decline of about 1,400 students across grade levels
Finance & Audit Committee
The committee will review financial reports for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 fiscal years. Members will also discuss the development of the budget for fiscal year 2026-27.
- Year End Report FY 2024-25
- Quarterly Update: FY 2025-26
- Budget Development: FY 2026-27
Family & Community Engagement Committee
The Family & Community Engagement Committee is meeting to review updates and reports. The body is considering the acceptance of funds and contract approval for the Urban League (Weaver CBO).
- Contract approval for Urban League (Weaver CBO)
- Title I Report
- Welcome Center Report for August SY 25-26
- School Governance Council Report
Board of Education Regular Meeting
The Hartford Board of Education is holding a workshop meeting to discuss the state of talent management, based on a slide presentation. The meeting includes procedural items for call to order and adjournment.
- Discussion of State of Talent Management with attached slides
Policy Committee
The Hartford Public Schools Policy Committee will hold a virtual meeting to consider second readings and adoptions of policies on school volunteers, student sports concussions, and sudden cardiac arrest. A first reading on protection of undocumented students will also be introduced. The committee will discuss an automatic policy review process.
- Second reading and adoption of policy 1212 on school volunteers
- First reading of policy 5111.3 on protection of undocumented students
- Second reading and adoption of policy 5141.7 on student sports concussions
- Second reading and adoption of policy 5141.28 on sudden cardiac arrest
- Discussion of automatic policy review process (policy 2231)
Teaching & Learning Committee
The Teaching & Learning Committee will receive an informational update and discussion on the Division of Academics. No decisions or votes are scheduled; the item is for review only.
- Division of Academics update presented as informational and discussion item
- Slides attached: T&L Committee_DivisonOfAcademics_10.01.25 SLIDES.pdf (4,767 KB)
Board of Education Regular Meeting
The Board of Education is meeting to vote on school renaming and various educational contracts. The session includes reports on funding disparities between magnet and neighborhood schools and reviews of student athlete safety policies.
- Resolution to rename Classical Magnet School to 'Hernan LaFontaine Classical Magnet School'
- Contract for Hartford Performs for the 2024-2025 school year totaling $358,710
- Contract with OPP (Opportunity Academy) for $660,000 for alternative education
- Five-year Ricoh lease for 150 multifunction devices at $650,000 per year
- Funding of $556,815 for Family Resource Centers
Board of Education Regular Meeting
The Committee of the Whole will review several contract renewals and the acceptance of state funds. The board is also conducting first and second readings of policies regarding student health, sports safety, and volunteers.
- 5-year Master Lease Agreement with Ricoh USA, Inc. for $650,000 per year
- Acceptance of $556,815 from CT State Department of Education for Family Resource Centers
- Contracts for Family Resource Centers at María C. Sánchez, Latino Studies Academy at Burns, Sarah J. Rawson, SAND, and Fred D. Wish schools (max $109,614.60 per center)
- Software renewal with Raptor Technologies for visitor and volunteer management for $63,675
- Policy reviews for Opioid Overdose Prevention, Student Sports-Concussion, and Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Board of Education Regular Meeting
The Board of Education will vote on four contract continuations totaling over $1.7 million, including a $358,710 arts partnership with Hartford Performs, a $660,000 alternative education program with OPPortunity Academy, a $650,000 copier lease with Ricoh, and a $70,000 enrichment consultant for Renzulli Academy. The meeting also includes updates on summer school/credit recovery and a magnet grant inquiry review.
- $358,710 contract renewal for Hartford Performs arts education serving all 10,877 PreK-8 students
- $660,000 contract for OPPortunity Academy supporting overage/undercredited high school students
- $650,000/year five-year copier lease agreement with Ricoh USA
- $70,000 NEAG grant-funded enrichment consultant for Renzulli Academy
- Updates on summer school/credit recovery and magnet grant inquiry review
Board of Education Regular Meeting
The Board is meeting for a retreat to discuss school governance, board-superintendent collaboration, decision-making protocols, and next steps. The board will also enter executive session to discuss a personnel matter involving Dr. Townsel.
- Discussion on school governance and effective board-superintendent collaboration
- Discussion on decision-making and engagement protocols
- Executive session for personnel matter regarding Dr. Townsel
- Motion to enter executive session passed unanimously (9-0)
Board of Education Regular Meeting
The Board of Education is deciding on administrative appointments and service contracts. Discussions include the renaming of Classical Magnet School and the implementation of a new opioid overdose prevention policy.
- Approved contract with ReadyCT not to exceed $494,800 ending June 30, 2026
- Approved Principal appointments for Sport & Medical Sciences Academy and Dwight Bellizzi Dual Language Academy
- Proposed renaming of Classical Magnet School to Hernan Lafontaine Classical Magnet School
- Proposed contract amendment for A Brand New Day increasing total to $201,958.70
- Proposed $121,000 contract amendment for Powerschool's Allovue budgeting tool
Policy Committee
The Policy Committee is meeting to discuss the renaming of Classical Magnet School and a contract amendment for special education services. The body is also conducting first readings of three policies regarding student health services, health assessments, and opioid overdose prevention.
- Renaming Classical Magnet School Application
- Contract amendment for A Brand New Day (SPED) for $10,000, increasing total to $177,999
- First reading of Policy 5141 - Student Health Services
- First reading of Policy 5141.3 - Health Assessments
- First reading of Policy 5141.213 - Opioid Overdose Prevention
Board of Education Regular Meeting
The Committee of the Whole is meeting to take action on several contract approvals and one amendment. The board is also scheduled to enter an executive session regarding a personnel matter involving Superintendent Townsel.
- Contract approval for Ready CT: $494,800
- Contract approval for CT RISE: $190,000
- Contract approval for Language Line: $140,000
- Contract amendment for PowerSchool (Allovue) budget software: $121,000
- Executive session regarding Superintendent Townsel
Imported Meetings: 2018- 2025
The Hartford Board of Education voted on several action items at its July 15 regular meeting, including a $123,251 contract continuation with Relay Graduate School of Education for teacher certification, a $79,999 summer enrichment grant with The Village for Families & Children, and a policy change (Policy 9012) to restore board approval of principal appointments. The board also approved $2,146,152 in amended community school contracts using new city funding to restore services at Bellizzi, West Middle, and Parkville/McDonough schools.
- Contract continuation with Relay GSE for teacher certification program, $123,251, through June 30, 2026
- Acceptance of $79,999 Sheff Interdistrict Magnet Summer Enrichment Grant and contract with The Village for Families & Children
- Second reading and adoption of Policy 9012, restoring board approval of principal appointments (passed 6-1)
- Consent agenda approval of $2,146,152 in amended community school contracts using city funds to restore services at Bellizzi, West Middle, and Parkville/McDonough
- Designation of Deputy Superintendent Dr. Kondra Rattley and COO Jose Colon as authorized signatories in superintendent's absence
Imported Meetings: 2018- 2025
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing several contracts and grants, including funding for community-based organizations and teacher certification. The body will also conduct a second reading of the Board Bylaws policy and discuss federal budget and strategic plan updates.
- Contract amendments for Community School contracts totaling $2,146,152.00
- Contract continuation for Relay Graduate School of Education (GSE) for $123,251.00
- Acceptance of $79,999.00 for the Sheff Interdistrict Magnet Summer Enrichment Grant
- Second reading of Policy 9012 regarding Board Bylaws (Powers, Purposes, and Duties)
- Discussion of federal funds budget update and the Strategic Plan
Imported Meetings: 2018- 2025
The Hartford Board of Education is holding a special meeting to vote on a motion to elect Dr. Andrae Townsel as Superintendent of Schools. If approved, the board chairperson is authorized to negotiate and finalize an employment agreement with him. The meeting is scheduled for July 1, 2025, at M.D. Fox Elementary School.
- Appointment of Dr. Andrae Townsel as Hartford Superintendent of Schools (action item)
- Chairperson Hockenhull authorized to negotiate superintendent's employment agreement
- Special meeting held at M.D. Fox Elementary School, 470 Maple Avenue, Hartford
Imported Meetings: 2018- 2025
The Board of Education will hear reports on a new district-wide equitable grading system, special education contract renewals, and a restorative practices policy. The meeting includes public comment and updates from the Chair and Superintendent, including a budget update.
- Teaching & Learning Committee report on phased implementation of new grading practices starting with high schools
- Special education contract renewals: $4M for speech services, $1.5M for behavior support
- Policy Committee report on restorative practices policy to be implemented by July 2025
- Discussion of renaming Classical Magnet School and naming a school after Superintendent LaFontaine
- Family & Community Engagement Committee report on summer programs and Welcome Center intake growth
Finance & Audit Committee
The Finance & Audit Committee will consider a $164,503.73 contract for Frontline software, which handles time tracking for all Hartford Public Schools employees and hosts annual evaluations for educators. The committee will also receive updates on monthly finances through April 2025 and on city/state funding.
- Frontline software contract: $164,503.73 for July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026, funded by general funds
- Monthly financial report through April 2025 (informational)
- Update on city/state funding (informational, discussion)
Family & Community Engagement Committee
The Family & Community Engagement Committee will receive updates on events and summer learning opportunities, plus reports on School Governance Councils, Title I, and the Welcome Center. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is informational.
- Welcome Center Report with April 2025 data on student intakes
- Title I Report
- School Governance Council Report
- Summer Learning Opportunities discussion
Teaching & Learning Committee
The Teaching & Learning Committee will discuss recommendations for equitable grading practices. The committee will also review multiple special education contracts for the 2025-26 school year.
- Discussion of recommendations for equitable grading practices
- Review of SPED contracts including ABND, AMN Healthcare, CBS-SLP, Creative Interventions, Stepping Stone, Connecticut Behavioral Health, and Soliant
Imported Meetings: 2018- 2025
The board will conduct a workshop meeting focused on the School Governance Council Showcase. This session is designated for discussion and information.
- School Governance Council Showcase presentation
Policy Committee
The Policy Committee will hold a second reading of a policy regarding challenging behavior prevention. The body will also discuss the renaming of the Classical Magnet School application and Board Bylaws regarding powers, purposes, and duties.
- Second reading of Challenging Behavior Prevention: Restorative Practices Response Policy
- Discussion on renaming Classical Magnet School Application
- Discussion on Policy 9012 - Powers, Purposes, and Duties (Board Bylaws)
Imported Meetings: 2018- 2025
The Hartford Board of Education will hear committee reports and vote on several contracts, including a 5-year extension of Great Path Academy's partnership with CT State Manchester Community College and a $150,000 renewal with Teach for America. The board will also consider special education contract amendments totaling $100,000 for school psychologist and behavioral support services, and discuss a proposal to rename Classical Magnet School after Hernan LaFontaine.
- 5-year contract extension for Great Path Academy with CT State Manchester Community College (July 2025–June 2030)
- $150,000 contract renewal with Teach for America to recruit up to 10 teachers
- $50,000 amendment for Soliant/ProCare school psychologist at Bellizzi Dual Language and Breakthrough North
- $50,000 amendment for A Brand New Day for a Board Certified Behavior Analyst
- Discussion on renaming Classical Magnet School in honor of Hernan LaFontaine
Imported Meetings: 2018- 2025
The Legislative & Advocacy Task Force will hold a virtual meeting to discuss several items. The agenda includes updates regarding Hartford Day, Special Education Committee mobilization, and a legislative update.
- Hartford Day Update
- Special Education Committee Mobilization
- Legislative Update
Finance & Audit Committee
The committee will receive informational updates on monthly financial results through March 2025, a grant spending update, and an action plan update. No votes or decisions are scheduled.
- Monthly financials through March 31, 2025 (informational)
- Grant spending update (informational, discussion)
- Action plan update (informational)
Family & Community Engagement Committee
The Family & Community Engagement Committee is discussing several contracts for board approval, including gym repairs and athletic training. The body is also reviewing community school grants and instructional leadership training.
- Contract for Dynamic Sports Construction to refurbish Hartford Public High Schools gymnasium floor for $71,160.97
- Contract continuation for UConn Athletic Trainers to support eight high schools for $123,555.00
- Community Schools contracts via NHAP Grant totaling $787,178.00
- Contract for RELAY GSE for instructional leadership training at select schools for $159,080.00
- Reports on School Governance Council membership, Title I parent activities, and Welcome Center intakes
Imported Meetings: 2018- 2025
The Hartford Public Schools Board will hold a virtual workshop meeting to receive a presentation on the history, purpose, latest agreement, and next steps of the Sheff v. O'Neill desegregation case. The meeting includes procedural items for call to order and adjournment.
- Workshop presentation on Sheff v. O'Neill: history, purpose, latest agreement, and next steps
Policy Committee
The Policy Committee will hold a second reading on several policies, including updates to graduation requirements (capstone and financial literacy), a sexual abuse prevention program, a district school climate and bullying plan, and a policy for students experiencing homelessness. They will also discuss a school closing/consolidation policy, a first reading on restorative practices, and consider an honorary diploma application and a request to rename Classical Magnet School.
- Second reading of updated Graduation Policy affecting capstone and financial literacy requirements.
- Second reading of a new Sexual Abuse Prevention and Education Program.
- Second reading of a District Safe School Climate & Bullying Plan.
- Discussion of a School Closing/Consolidation Policy.
- Discussion of a petition to rename Classical Magnet School.
Teaching & Learning Committee
The Teaching & Learning Committee will consider three action items for the regular board meeting. The most consequential is a five-year, $2.9 million contract renewal with Manchester Community College for the Great Path Academy magnet school. The committee will also discuss a $150,000 contract with Teach for America for up to ten teachers, and amendments to special education contracts.
- Five-year contract with CT State Manchester for Great Path Academy, $2.9 million annually
- Teach for America partnership for 10 corps members, $150,000 total over two years
- Amendments to SPED contracts: A Brand New Day, New Direction/Pro Care Therapy, Aveanna Healthcare
Imported Meetings: 2018- 2025
The Board of Education is meeting to discuss reports from the Teaching & Learning, Policy, and Family & Community Engagement committees. Key discussions include updates to graduation and bullying policies, a potential school renaming, and technology procurement for Bulkeley High School.
- Proposed contract with Nicros for a climbing wall at Great Path
- First reading of the school closing and consolidation policy
- Proposed renaming of Classical Magnet School to Hernan Lafontaine Classical Magnet School
- Updates to graduation policy regarding capstone experiences and financial literacy requirements
- Phase 9 technology equipment plan for Bulkeley High School and central administration
Imported Meetings: 2018- 2025
The Board of Education is holding a special virtual meeting to discuss the 2025-26 budget. The agenda includes a single discussion item on the budget, with an attached document on prioritization of unaccounted-for items.
- Discussion of the 2025-26 budget
- Review of prioritization of unaccounted-for items
Finance & Audit Committee
The committee is considering the continuation of two software service contracts for the 2025-2026 school year. Members will also receive a report on the final proposed 2025-26 budget.
- Contract continuation for Power School in the amount of $570,089.36
- Contract continuation for Open Architects in the amount of $147,500
- Review of the Final Proposed 2025-26 Budget
Family & Community Engagement Committee
The committee will consider a $94,228 contract renewal for Parent Square, the district-wide family-school communications platform. They will also review updates on the Bulkeley High School Phase 9 technology equipment package and the Healthy Food Certification program. Informational reports include a summer program overview, School Governance Council membership, Title I parent engagement, and the Welcome Center report.
- Action item: Contract continuation for Parent Square at $94,228
- Bulkeley High School Phase 9 technology equipment package approved by Hartford School Building Committee
- Healthy Food Certification - Food Services Overview
- Summer Program Overview (informational)
- Title I Parent Engagement YTD report
Imported Meetings: 2018- 2025
This is a procedural meeting of the Hartford Public Schools Legislative & Advocacy Task Force. The agenda includes a call to order, a discussion item on updates, priorities, and next steps, and a motion to adjourn. No specific decisions or proposals are detailed in the agenda.
- Discussion of updates, priorities, and next steps for legislative and advocacy work
Imported Meetings: 2018- 2025
The Hartford Public Schools board is holding a public hearing to discuss the proposed 2025-26 budget. The meeting includes a presentation of the budget overview and an opportunity for public input. No votes or decisions are scheduled.
- Public hearing on the proposed FY2026 budget for Hartford Public Schools
- Presentation of the HPS Proposed FY2026 Budget overview
- Meeting held at M.D. Fox Elementary School, 470 Maple Avenue
Policy Committee
The Policy Committee will hold a second reading of the District Safe School Climate & Bullying Plan, a repeal of the Bullying Prevention & Intervention policy, and a policy on Homeless Students. First readings will cover updates to the Graduation Policy (including capstone and financial literacy requirements) and a School Closing/Consolidation Policy. The committee will also discuss a Sexual Abuse Prevention and Education Program, an honorary diploma application, and a proposal to rename Classical Magnet School.
- Second reading of District Safe School Climate & Bullying Plan (policy 5131.911)
- Second reading of repeal of Bullying Prevention & Intervention policy
- Second reading of policy on Homeless Students (policy 5118.1)
- First reading of updated Graduation Policy (policy 6146) with capstone and financial literacy changes
- First reading of School Closing/Consolidation Policy (policy 3600)
Imported Meetings: 2018- 2025
The board will hold a workshop to review the proposed 2025-26 budget. The agenda includes a presentation with slides and an appendix. The meeting is for discussion and information, with no votes scheduled.
- Review of the 2025-26 Proposed Budget
- Presentation slides and appendix attached to the budget item
Teaching & Learning Committee
The committee is considering a contract for a climbing wall and the acceptance of state funds for the Hartford Juvenile Detention Center School. The meeting also includes updates on the Grading Committee and changes to Capstone requirements.
- Contract for Nicros to provide climbing wall materials and installation for $120,500.00
- Acceptance of $62,024.00 from the State Department of Education for DOMUS Kids, Inc.
- Grading Committee update
- Discussion of Capstone requirements changes
Imported Meetings: 2018- 2025
The Board of Education will consider a revised proposal for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school calendars, which includes 181 student days and 190 teacher days. The meeting also includes reports on esports funding, arts programming, and updates to district policies regarding bullying and school renaming.
- Vote on 2025-26 and 2026-27 district calendars
- Contract proposals for 'Stay Plugged In' esports: $100,000 each for Great Path and Pathways, and $83,600 for Kinsella Upper
- Hartford Performs arts program expansion for McDonough, MLK, Annie Fisher Montessori, and Breakthrough North schools
- Proposed policy revisions for harassment, bullying, and homeless students
- Proposed policy for renaming school facilities
Imported Meetings: 2018- 2025
The board is convening a special executive session. The sole purpose of the meeting is to discuss the search for a superintendent.
- Executive session regarding superintendent search
Finance & Audit Committee
The Hartford Public Schools Finance & Audit Committee will meet virtually on March 10, 2025, to receive informational updates on the budget and an action plan. No votes or decisions are scheduled.
- Budget & Monthly Updates (informational)
- Action Plan Update (informational)
Family & Community Engagement Committee
The Hartford Public Schools Family & Community Engagement Committee will meet virtually on March 6, 2025, to receive updates on the 2025-26 and 2026-27 district calendar, the Office of Enrollment & School/Facilities Choice, and a mid-year review. The committee will also hear reports on School Governance Council membership, Title I program status, and Welcome Center operations, including intake comparisons. An informational presentation on home visits is also scheduled.
- Mid-Year Review (Item 1.03) — informational presentation with slides attached
- School Governance Council Report (Item 2.01) — membership update attached
- Title I Report (Item 2.02) — year-to-date report through Feb. 26, 2025
- Welcome Center Report (Item 2.03) — narrative and intake comparison data for January 2025
- Home Visits (Item 3.01) — informational presentation attached
Imported Meetings: 2018- 2025
The Legislative & Advocacy Task Force is meeting to discuss updates, priorities, and next steps. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the agenda consists of a single discussion item. The meeting will open with a call to order and close with a motion to adjourn.
- Discussion of legislative and advocacy priorities and next steps
Imported Meetings: 2018- 2025
The Hartford Board of Education is holding a retreat to discuss the 2025-26 budget development. The meeting includes procedural items like a call to order and adjournment, with the budget discussion being the main substantive item.
- 2025-26 Budget Development discussion
Policy Committee
The Hartford Public Schools Policy Committee will hold second readings of policies on harassment, code of ethics, and naming of facilities. First readings will cover bullying prevention, the district safe school climate plan, and support for homeless students. These are informational and discussion items, not final votes.
- Second reading of Harassment Policy (4118.113)
- Second reading of Code of Ethics (2300)
- Second reading of Naming of Facilities or Parts of Facilities Policy
- First reading of Bullying Prevention & Intervention policy revision
- First reading of District Safe School Climate & Bullying Plan
Teaching & Learning Committee
The Teaching & Learning Committee is discussing funding for ESports labs and arts enrichment programs. The body is also reviewing the district calendars for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years.
- Stay Plugged In (ESports) proposal for $283,600 to build labs at Great Path, Pathways, and Kinsella
- Hartford Performs arts programming proposal for $58,669 for McDonough, AF Montessori, MLK, and Breakthrough North
- Review of 2025-26 & 2026-27 District Calendars
Imported Meetings: 2018- 2025
The Board will appoint Cristher Estrada-Perez to fill a vacant elected seat through December 2025. The meeting also includes reports on reducing the course catalog from 361 to about 296 courses and updates on school construction and strategic planning.
- Appointment of Cristher Estrada-Perez as board member through December 2025
- Election of officers: Chair, Vice-Chair, Second Vice-Chair, and Secretary
- Teaching & Learning Committee report on reducing course offerings by 18%
- Policy Committee report on pets in classrooms, code of ethics, and school naming policies
- Family & Community Engagement report on 10-year vision and Wish school construction
Finance & Audit Committee
The committee will receive informational updates on the FY25 deficit, FY26 revenue and expense projections, and the school budgeting process. A discussion is planned for the FY26 expense and school budgeting items. The meeting will conclude with adjournment.
- FY25 Deficit Update
- FY2026 Revenue Update
- FY 2026 Expense Update (discussion)
- School Budgeting Process (discussion)
Family & Community Engagement Committee
The Family & Community Engagement Committee will receive an informational update on the Wish School construction project and review extended school grant contracts with Catholic Charities and The Village. The committee will also consider an action item to approve a contract continuation for the University of Hartford as a 3rd party evaluator, and discuss the proposed 2025-26 and 2026-27 district calendar.
- Wish School construction presentation (informational)
- Extended school grant contracts with Catholic Charities and The Village
- Action item: University of Hartford 3rd party evaluator contract continuation
- Proposed 2025-26 and 2026-27 district calendar
- School Governance Council and Welcome Center reports
Imported Meetings: 2018- 2025
The board convened for a special meeting to enter an executive session. The session focused on a personnel matter regarding Superintendent Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez.
- Executive session regarding personnel matter for Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez
Policy Committee
The Policy Committee will hold a second reading and vote on a draft policy allowing pets in classrooms and schools. The committee will also review a harassment policy, a code of ethics, and a policy on naming facilities for first reading. An update on Title IX and honorary diplomas will be discussed.
- Second reading and action on Pets in Classrooms/Schools policy
- First reading of Harassment Policy (4118.113)
- First reading of Code of Ethics
- First reading of Naming of Facilities or Parts of Facilities Policy (3505)
- Update on Title IX and Honorary Diploma/HTAC
Imported Meetings: 2018- 2025
The Board of Education held a retreat to discuss the 2025-26 budget development and a strategic plan. The board also entered executive session to deliberate on filling a vacancy on the board and the superintendent search. The meeting was procedural and included votes to enter and exit executive session and to adjourn.
- Discussion of 2025-26 Budget Development
- Strategic Plan Discussion
- Executive session to discuss filling a Board of Education vacancy and superintendent search
- Motion to enter executive session passed unanimously
- Motion to exit executive session passed unanimously
Teaching & Learning Committee
The Teaching & Learning Committee will receive updates and discuss the Hartford Principal Leadership Academy (HPLA) and school scheduling. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the items are listed as informational and discussion only.
- Update on Hartford Principal Leadership Academy (HPLA)
- Discussion of school scheduling
Imported Meetings: 2018- 2025
The Legislative & Advocacy Task Force is meeting to review updates and determine next steps for its priorities. The agenda consists of a call to order, a discussion item, and adjournment.
- Discussion of updates, priorities, and next steps
Imported Meetings: 2018- 2025
The Board of Education will hear reports from the Policy Committee, a special meeting, and a Committee of the Whole meeting. Key topics include revising the policy to allow schools to be named after living individuals, filling a board vacancy, and the district's strategic plan.
- Policy Committee proposes removing the requirement that a person must be deceased before a school can be renamed after them.
- Board is reviewing 10 applications to fill a vacancy on the Board of Education.
- District is developing a strategic plan that includes a focus on 'scaling down' and potential school consolidation.
- Hartford Promise program reported a 76% college graduation rate for participating students.
- Board discussed legislative priorities, including fully funding the Special Education Excess Cost Grant.
Imported Meetings: 2018- 2025
The board will hold a workshop meeting to discuss the development of the 2025-26 budget. This is a discussion and information session.
- 2025-26 Budget Development discussion
Imported Meetings: 2018- 2025
The Committee of the Whole will hear a presentation on the Hartford Promise program. Members will also discuss emerging strategic plan priorities, with a potential action item tied to the General Budget.
- Presentation: Hartford Promise
- Discussion of emerging strategic plan priorities
- Action item on strategic plan priorities with General Budget source
Imported Meetings: 2018- 2025
The Hartford Board of Education held a special virtual meeting to discuss two items: a proposed Teacher's Advisory Council and the district's strategic priorities. The board then voted unanimously to enter executive session to deliberate on filling a vacancy on the Board of Education.
- Discussion of proposed Hartford Teachers Advisory Council (HTAC)
- Discussion of CT Education Organizations Policy Priorities 2024-25 and HPS Priorities
- Motion to enter executive session to fill a Board of Education vacancy passed 8-0
Imported Meetings: 2018- 2025
The Legislative & Advocacy Task Force of Hartford Public Schools is meeting to discuss updates, priorities, and next steps. The agenda includes only procedural items and a discussion item with no specific proposals or decisions listed.
Policy Committee
The Hartford Public Schools Policy Committee will meet virtually on January 6, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. to discuss and potentially advance several policy items. Topics include a policy on naming facilities, a board vacancy, graduation requirements (including a financial literacy credit), FMLA leave, and a new policy on pets in classrooms/schools.
- Discussion of the Naming of Facilities or Parts of Facilities Policy
- Update on the Elected Board Vacancy
- Second reading of Graduation Policy (Financial Literacy Credit) — possible action for Regular Board Meeting
- First reading of FMLA policy
- First reading of Pets in Classrooms/Schools policy