Dear HPS’ Families, Staff, and Students,
The grassroots advocacy work by students, families, and staff of Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport and several other CT public school districts, inspired Governor Ned Lamont to sign an executive order in April 2026 establishing a commission tasked with delivering a top-to-bottom overhaul of how the state funds public schools.
The commission is required to look at the landscape of educational funding in Connecticut, any relevant models from other states, the primary cost drivers impacting school districts, and proven strategies for delivering K-12 education that have resulted in improved outcomes and student success. It must provide a final report of recommendations by January 15, 2027.
The Connecticut Blue-Ribbon Commission on K–12 Funding and Accountability launched a public survey to gather input from Connecticut residents on school funding and accountability.
The Commission is seeking feedback from parents, caregivers, families, school staff, and students on school funding and accountability. Legislative and educational leaders from around the state will be collaborating in our mutual mission to provide solutions and strategies to help the state of Connecticut fund its public schools.
The survey takes about five minutes to complete. You can visit the following link to complete the survey:
https://lawcolumbia.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9N7wB0GtbUPQmz4
Additional information about the Commission, including upcoming meetings and opportunities for public engagement, is available on the Commission's webpage:
Hartford Public Schools, specifically, faces a continual structural deficit, driven by flat revenue and rising costs. In part, Hartford' s public education deficit is driven by special education tuition and door-to-door transportation for Hartford resident students who do not attend Hartford Public Schools. This includes non-HPS magnet schools, open choice schools, and out-of-district placements.
Here’s what Hartford students need to keep thriving:
Updating public education funding for inflation (the ECS formula hasn’t been adjusted since 2013) and ending local tuition billing
Fully funding SEED and Excess Cost grants, including the rate‑setting commitments for special education and transportation made in the 2025 legislative session
Realigning Open Choice and administrative capacity so that sending districts—not receiving districts—are responsible for the IEPs and related costs of special education services
We thank you for your time and consideration, and your commitment to supporting equitable education for all Connecticut children.
Excellence in Truth and Service,
Dr. Andraé Townsel
Superintendent and CEO
Hartford Public Schools