Hartford UHS school board candidates outline priorities on safety, academics and transparency

Two candidates for an open seat on the Hartford UHS School District school board presented their visions Tuesday night at a student-run forum, answering student-submitted and audience questions on budgets, academics, school safety and district transparency.

School board candidate Todd Boltmann, a 16-year Hartford resident and mortgage advisor, said his priorities include protecting career and technical education programs, recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers, and keeping decision-making transparent so taxpayers and families understand long-term value.

"I would prioritize career and technical education programs," Boltmann said, adding that strong CTE pathways prepare students for high-demand jobs and strengthen local-business partnerships. He also emphasized public reporting and community tours as ways to maintain trust during capital projects.

Jenny Gillen, a longtime resident and elementary classroom teacher with more than 20 years of experience, said she would prioritize classroom instruction, maintaining high-quality staff and programs that directly support student learning.

"We need to make sure that we're keeping students at the center of every decision that we make," Gillen said, and she praised the district's communications work in keeping the community informed about referendum projects.

Both candidates rejected defining success by a single test score. They described broader measures: industry certifications, multiple pathways to postsecondary plans, student engagement and teacher support. On school safety, Boltmann urged a "see something, say something" culture and peer supports; Gillen cited secure entrances, school resource officers and cameras installed after the fall 2024 referendum and emphasized prevention and mental-health resources.

On a question about political influence, Gillen said she is not seeking endorsements from outside organizations and would make decisions "answering to HHS families," while Boltmann said his decisions would be guided by values such as safe schools, respect for staff and transparency.

The forum was moderated by student board representatives Emma Rollmann and Matilda Kramer, and district staff including Associate Principal Desiree Ramelow and Director of Communications Laura Trapp coordinated the event. Candidates gave closing remarks and reminded voters the election is April 7.

The forum transcript shows both candidates offered overlapping aims—supporting teachers and broad student pathways—but differed in emphasis: Boltmann stressed workforce alignment and community engagement; Gillen stressed classroom instruction, teacher support and nonpartisan independence. Voters can review candidate materials on the district's Meet the Candidates page for more detail ahead of the April 7 election.