State questions Hartford Public Schools' reported budget shortfall
The state is questioning Hartford Public Schools’ claim that the district is facing a massive budget deficit, saying its own review of the numbers tells a very different story.
Hartford school leaders have said the district is staring down a more than $70 million budget shortfall. But state education officials say the math does not add up and are now calling for an independent financial audit.
District leaders were expected to break down the budget challenges during a community forum on Wednesday evening, as parents and lawmakers seek clarity on the district’s financial picture.
Some parents say they are worried about how ongoing budget issues could affect students.
“I worry about my daughter because I wanna keep her in our school,” Constanza Segovia said.
Hartford Public Schools has previously warned it could face another deficit — this one estimated at roughly $75 million — raising concerns among families and community members who say the problem has not been adequately addressed.
“We keep not solving the problem and our kids are suffering every year,” Segovia said.
In response, the Connecticut State Department of Education has called for an independent financial audit, adding to the increased oversight it is already conducting in the district.
State officials say their initial review of Hartford’s financial records suggests the district could actually end the year with a small surplus, contradicting the district’s public projections.
In a written response to the state, the superintendent said the Department of Education may be misunderstanding what is driving the projected deficit and said the district wants to work collaboratively with the state to clarify the numbers.
Hartford schools have pointed to rising special education costs as a major factor behind the budget gap — a claim the state disputes.
Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam said he supports transparency and oversight but warned against allowing financial disputes to negatively affect students.
“We welcome any additional transparency and oversight and we’ll work with the Board of Education to ensure that that’s provided but we can’t let schools, we can’t let students and teachers and parents suffer,” Arulampalam said.
Some parents say the state should focus less on oversight and more on funding.
“I’m frustrated that we are not having the conversation that needs to be had,” Segovia said.
The mayor said he and the superintendent have been meeting with state lawmakers to discuss the need for additional education funding.
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