Connecticut district wrestles with covering multimillion-dollar shortfall even with state, local support

Hartford Public Schools in Connecticut is scrambling to address a projected $89 million budget deficit over the next two fiscal years, according to the local Fox affiliate.

“We’re not looking to be saved. We’re looking to be invested in,” Hartford Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Andrae Townsel told journalists.

The district, which enrolls 16,500 preK-12 students across 39 schools, has an estimated $29 million shortfall for this fiscal year and a $60 million one for the 2027 fiscal year.

As a result, current state support hasn’t been enough to cover the deficits, said District Chief Financial Officer Caitlin Richard.

“Even with roughly $25 million in support for next year’s budget, district officials said Hartford Public Schools would still face an estimated $35 million shortfall,” the Fox affiliate observed.

“One possible option to close the remaining gap is joining the Municipal Accountability Review Board, a state oversight program designed to help financially distressed municipalities.”

Families involved in the district voiced concern over the impact any budget cuts would have for special education services.

“My nephew, he tends to be very handsy all over the place and bouncing off the walls,” Akinki Stevenson said. “So having him be able to have extra care and support after school to do homework for example is super important.”

‘I’m the one paying the consequences’

The beleaguered district has faced higher state scrutiny last year after one of its special education students, Aleysha Ortiz, sued it in 2024, saying she had graduated even though the program hadn’t taught her how to read or write.

“People didn’t forget about me. No, people chose not to [educate me],” Ortiz said. “People chose not to [change] my IEP. … I’m the one paying the consequences, while those people are still getting their checks.”

Charlene Russell-Tucker, education commissioner for the state’s education department, highlighted “systemic issues” in the district’s special education services in a June 26 letter to lawmakers.

“This level of engagement reflects the urgency and seriousness of the identified issues and our commitment to ensuring that all Hartford students receive the services and support to which they are entitled,” she wrote.

Staffing shortages, “limited supports for students” and lack of oversight all contributed to the dismal outcomes, according to a report commissioned by the department.

“These interconnected challenges have created a perfect storm, compounding on each other in a vicious cycle,” the report concluded.

An anonymous Hartford paraeducator told journalists other students – not just those in special ed – face the same problems in getting a comprehensive education.

“I think this happens a lot through Hartford schools,” the paraeducator explained. “I don’t think a lot of kids in Hartford get their services. She’s not the only one. … Any school [in the district], you’ll find kids, even that are not in special ed, that don’t even know how to read and write – they just pass them over.”