FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL:  NEW BEGINNINGS

MAYOR PEREZ PLEASED EDUCATORS, PARENTS, AND STUDENTS

ARE RAISING THE BAR ON EDUCATION

---NEWS ADVISORY---

(August 29, 2007)--- Mayor Eddie A. Perez says that a new era in education at Hartford Public Schools is off to a great start.  Classes have started before Labor Day in the Capital City for the first time since 1994.  Mayor Perez, who also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Education, was part of a special bus tour that got a first hand look at new schools, new uniforms, and a new attitude towards learning. 

Mayor Perez says, “It is important that educators, parents, and students embrace these exciting changes that are taking place.  Dr. Steven Adamowski is guiding Hartford with a bold reform plan that raises expectations and academic standards, get parents more engaged in the educational process, and inspires our dedicated teachers to empower our youngsters.”

The morning bus tour on the new energy efficient fuel cell bus made stops at the new 9^th Grade Academy, Classical Magnet, and Betances Elementary.  Council members rJo Winch, Calixto Torres, Pedro Segarra, and Dr. Robert Painter also attended.  Prior to the bus tour, Mayor Perez shared his enthusiasm for the new school year at the Annie Fisher Magnet School of Intelligences.

Mayor Perez says, “Hartford must work to close the achievement gap between urban and suburban schools.  Starting the school year earlier and expanding the mandatory school uniform policy to the 9^th Grade Academy are just two steps being taken to increase accountability.”

School construction and renovation are also important to the educational equation.  Providing a safe and inspirational learning atmosphere puts more focus on learning.  The Annie Fisher Magnet School of Intelligences is one of six schools that are part of phase two of the School Building Project.  The others are:  Sport and Medical Sciences Academy, University High School of Science and Engineering, Kinsella Community School, Mary Hooker Environmental Studies Magnet School, Pathways to Technology Magnet School and Capital Preparatory Magnet School.

Phase two adds to the success of phase one of the school building program, under the leadership of the Hartford School Building Committee, headed by Mayor Perez.  The first phase of the program awarded more than $40 million to Minority Women Business Enterprises (MWBE).  This has meant almost 319,000 working hours so far for city residents and about $8 million in new wages.