Students organizing Hartford lobbying day; board approves student culture and climate liaison

Student leaders told the board they have organized a citywide student council effort to lobby the state legislature for more equitable funding and to highlight how federal and state cuts would affect New Haven students. Separately, the board approved a student culture and climate liaison initiative developed by students and recommended by governance and administration.

Student presenters said more than 100 students have expressed interest in a planned trip to the State Capitol in Hartford and that the organizers expect to bring roughly 90 students with about 10 chaperones; they reported hundreds of signatures and student organizers in every school. The student report highlighted disparities in per-pupil funding between New Haven and wealthier districts, noted that New Haven enrolls a large share of students experiencing homelessness and students for whom English is a second language, and urged state action on educational cost-sharing.

“Thousands of dollars in inequality between New Haven and other districts — is this fair?” the student presenters said while outlining their planned advocacy; the board received the student report and members praised the students’ leadership.

Board member Dr. Benitez moved to approve the student culture and climate liaison proposal, describing the motion as acceptance of a student-developed project plus administrative implementation guidance so trained staff would support the work. The motion passed on roll call. Board members thanked the student organizers, and several suggested ways other students could participate short of traveling to Hartford (for example, by submitting written testimony).

Ending: Superintendent Daphne Negron and board members said the liaison will support two-way communication between students and the board and will begin implementation steps after staff and governance coordinate rollout details.