Education = Empowerment.  It is a simple equation that is taken very seriously here in Hartford.  Education can improve the quality of life of residents because it is the great equalizer of our society--- helping to level the playing field for the economically disadvantaged.

Education has made a great difference in my life.  Perhaps that is why this is such a passionate cornerstone of my administration.  I was the first in my family to graduate from high school and from college.  That is something that many first generation families in this country can relate to.  It is a source of family pride and prestige.  But it is what you do with that education that can really make a difference in your life and in the lives of others.

Here in Hartford, we believe that education starts at birth.  That is why in May of 2005, I announced the Mayor's Office for Young Children.  It oversees a comprehensive plan for our youngest residents--- ages zero to 8--- to help them achieve the skills they need to succeed in school and in life.  This includes health screenings, supportive and knowledge parents, affordable and dependable early childhood care and education, a seamless transition from pre-school to Kindergarten, striving for education excellence in the early grades, and access to health care. 

The road to success doesn't stop here.  Our Youth Services Division works with community based organizations to provide programs for young people ages 9 to 23.  Everything from positive school activities, academic enrichment programs, to internship opportunities are all part of the learning experience.

But to help our youngsters succeed in school--- and beyond--- we need three main ingredients to support them along the way:  knowledgeable and inspiring educators, engaged parents, and a positive learning environment.  $1 billion is being invested in our schools.  Schools are under construction--- providing a safer learning environment--- brick by brick.

I am proud to serve as Chairman of the Board of Education who brought in Dr. Steven Adamowski as our Superintendent.  Dr. Adamowski is a Connecticut native, a Trinity College graduate, and has a nationally recognized and proven track record in urban education.  He shares the vision that we must raise the academic expectations and standards of Hartford students and expect them to go to college.  We are revamping the High School curriculum.  We are building partnerships with colleges.  We are engaging private and parochial secondary schools. 

I am also proud that Hartford Public Schools passed a mandatory school uniform policy for grades Pre-K through 8 that took effect in September of 2006.  Parents, schools, and board members are looking for a cohesive way to expand that policy at the high school level.  Once again, this puts the focus on learning and eliminates distractions.   

The goal is to increase the number of Hartford students who graduate from a four-year college by 25%.  This way more of our young people will be able to get the education, skills, and contacts they need to secure a high paying job and in turn, help secure their family’s financial future.  When those skills are invested in the communities, it only makes Hartford stronger and more competitive in this global economy.

 

Eddie A. Perez

Mayor