January 16, 2006

Hartford Mayor Eddie A. Perez now has the authority to select five of the nine members of the city’s public school board as a result of a change in the city charter. Previously, he selected three of seven board members. Late last year, Perez appointed himself and four others to the board, and then was unanimously elected to chair the board. The mayor has indicated that he may not serve out the full term as chair. The mayor’s goal in this additional role is to build a solid plan for the future and serve as a critical link between the school system and the city government.

The mayor made this decision as the public school system is moving from state management back to local control. “This is a critical time for the board of education…. which faces numerous tough choices….. These need to be made without distractions that could undermine our efforts to provide the best possible education for our children,” he said.

This is another step in the mayor’s efforts to improve the city’s schools. The mayor believes this is a pivotal year for the system which includes deciding on a school superintendent, moving forward on new school facilities, shifting to a K-8 school configuration, and managing school finance litigation. When asked why he wanted to be on the school board and lead it, Perez said, “I’m willing to provide that leadership, because it’s needed. This means that the buck has to stop in my office.”

In reaction to the mayor’s self-appointment, Nick Caruso of the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education stated, “A strong mayor could, in fact, be a real help to the school board.” Local board member Ada Miranda said she hopes the mayor’s first-hand knowledge of school district operations will serve as an important conduit to the city council.