Hartford Board of Education: Raising the Bar for Students and Community

Hartford Public Schools (HPS) is a dedicated school district serving the city of Hartford, Connecticut. Through innovative programs, community partnerships, and a focus on student success, HPS is committed to "Raising the Bar" for its students and the community. This article highlights recent achievements and initiatives that showcase the district's commitment to excellence in education.

Student Success and Enrichment

Hartford Public Schools prioritizes providing students with enriching experiences that foster growth and development.

Business Case Competition

One notable event is the annual Business Case Competition, hosted by Travelers and CT State Capital, where students from Weaver High School participated. In this competition, students were challenged to develop solutions to improve their community, given a hypothetical significant amount of money. Within a limited timeframe, students collaborated to discuss the case, brainstorm ideas, and create presentations. The solutions presented by the students were impressive, focusing on critical issues such as:

More efficient winter snow management to address significant safety and traffic issues.
Affordable housing initiatives.
Youth-centered programming designed to keep students engaged, enriched, in school, and off the streets.

The competition provided a valuable opportunity for students to enhance their problem-solving, teamwork, and presentation skills. Participants included Maxien Robinson-Lewin, Matthew Hodson, Sudiksha M., Enzo Daci, Emille Grant, Abigail Koomson, M.S., Asha Whiteside, Genell T., Alejandro Quintero-Martinez, Chakeya Chapman, and Tyesha Wood. The event was supported by business partners and CT State staff who served as team mentors, judges, and participants during the presentations and networking lunch. Special thanks to Rachel Bader and John C. ReadyCT, Deb Zimmerman Herz, Tiffany Webley, Daniel Williamson, M. Ed., Breanna Arce, Duane P.

Calling All Brothers African & African American History Bee

McDonough Middle School Bears emerged victorious in the 2026 Calling All Brothers African & African American History Bee. Participating schools included the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Achievement First Middle School.

Esports Achievements

Hartford Public Schools celebrates the success of its Esports teams. The Classical Gladiators demonstrated their skills by winning both Rocket League and Super Smash Bros. Hernán LaFontaine Classical Magnet School's Esports team, coached by Eric Dizenzo, secured the top prize in the HPS Esports Winter Cup, a Doc Hurley Classic-style tournament. The event, initiated by University High School of Science and Engineering (UHHSE), brought together eight schools to compete in Rocket League and Smash Bros. Participating schools included Great Path Academy, Sport and Medical Sciences Academy, Classical Magnet School, Bulkeley High School, Annie Fisher STEM Magnet School, and Pathways Academy of Technology & Design. HPS is grateful to school administrators, STEM and Technology Academics team members, educational technology support, PlayOn Sports, and teachers and coaches for making Esports possible.

Recognizing Excellence in Magnet Schools

Hartford Public Schools' magnet schools have received recognition for their commitment to academic achievement, diversity, and community partnerships.

Magnet Schools of America Awards

Annie Fisher STEM Magnet School earned the Merit School of Excellence Award, while Breakthrough Magnet School South, Great Path Academy, Montessori Magnet School at Annie Fisher, and Noah Webster MicroSociety Magnet School received the Merit School of Distinction Awards from Magnet Schools of America. These awards recognize the schools' success in:

Raising student academic achievement.
Promoting racial and socioeconomic diversity.
Providing integrated curricula and instruction.
Creating strong family and community partnerships.

Breakthrough Magnet School South has earned this award for the third year in a row. The schools were recognized during an awards ceremony on April 14-17, 2026.

Dedicated Educators: The Heart of HPS

Hartford Public Schools recognizes and celebrates its dedicated educators who are passionate about serving students and families.

#HumansOfHPS Campaign

The #HumansOfHPS campaign highlights the stories of passionate education experts within the district. The campaign featured Dr. Andraé Townsel, Superintendent & CEO; Ashantee Hyman, M.S.Ed., our 2025 #TeacherOfTheYear, #STEM educator extraordinaire, Weaver HS alum and Hartford native; Gerardo M. Heredia, Veteran Principal, #Bilingual Student Enagagement Leader supreme and Hartford kid; Jarlene Marrero, Multilingual Teacher at Dwight Bellizzi #DualLanguage Academy and Hartford PR Parade Queen; Keon Ruiter, 2025 Teacher of the Year Finalist and 2nd Grade Teacher/devotee at Sanchez School; Caitlin Daly, 2025 Teacher of the Year Finalist, artist, student advocate and amazing art teacher at Hartford Public High School; Morriscia Morris, HPS alumna and Community Partnerships Manager; and Derek Culver, Recruitment Specialist.

Community Engagement and Advocacy

Hartford Public Schools actively engages with the community and advocates for the needs of its students and families.

CT Delta Day at the State Capitol

Hartford Public Schools participated in CT Delta Day at the State Capitol, standing in defense of civil liberties, democracy, and fundamental freedoms. As a panelist alongside Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, the district lifted the voice of Hartford Public Schools and our community in a critical conversation on education and opportunity.

Education Expo at Bulkeley High School

The Office of Talent Management attended the Education Expo at Bulkeley High School, showcasing the district's schools, innovative curriculum, support services, and career opportunities.

Read also: HPBOSE: A Detailed Look

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