Hartford Announces Plan for Additional Funding for Schools

Hartford Announces Plan for Additional Funding for Schools

Published on May 02, 2024

Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam Announces Plan forAdditional Funding for Hartford Public Schools

Mayor calls additional $10.5 million in funding "an important step,"but says more needs to be done to address underlying challenges

HARTFORD, CONN. (May 2, 2024) - Today, Mayor Arunan Arulampalam, in partnership with Hartford Public Schools, shared details of a new plan to send an additional $10.5 million in funding to Hartford schools in order to address a budget gap in Fiscal Year 2025.

"This is a step in the right direction, but this conversation is not only about funding levels -- more can and will be done to identify long-term solutions that center the needs of our students and our schools," said Mayor Arulampalam. "I'm grateful for our strong partnership with Hartford Public Schools in support of crafting this new plan. Investing in the future of our community starts with our children, and we're committed to taking action and addressing the root causes of our school district's challenges. This won't be solved overnight, but the City, our City Council and our Treasurer are working to ensure every student has the resources they need to thrive."

Under the plan, the City will assume some district costs while the state provides additional support. Of the $10.5 million, $1 million will be absorbed by the City of Hartford, $4.5 million will be drawn from the school district's OPEB fund following approval from the Hartford Pension Commission, and the remaining $5 million from an additional state influx of dollars for the district. The City Council will meet to adopt the plan in upcoming budget resolutions.

"Council members heard from teachers and students across the City about the importance of providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed", said Council President Shirley Surgeon. "We're fortunate to have a strong partnership with the Mayor and the state delegation to find solutions that work for our students and set us up the right path."

"Our students and educators were on the top of my mind as I searched for every state dollar that I could find for Hartford schools," Speaker of the House Matt Ritter said. "I am the product of Hartford schools. My children go to Hartford schools. I am keenly aware of that Hartford's schools are a bedrock in the foundation of our city and I am so pleased we are able to announce this funding today."

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