GOP Alderman Hits School Board On Salaries But Rubber Stamps Pay Hikes, More Spending At City Hall

By John McNamara The sometimes fragile relations between City Hall and the Board of Education took a backward step this week over complaints from Ward 2 Republican Alderman Kristian Rosado appearing in the New Britain City Journal. Rosado, in a front-page story in the City Journal , derided a unanimous BOE move on salary increases … Continue reading GOP Alderman Hits School Board On Salaries But Rubber Stamps Pay Hikes, More Spending At City Hall

Smalley Academy Renovation Cost Jumps To $53m; Public Hearing Wednesday, June 22, At Council Committee

What's behind a $53 million price tag for renovations to Smalley Academy, a K-5 elementary school near downtown and North-Oak Streets? That question should be on the minds of the Common Council after initial estimates by school officials were closer to $30 million last year. The earlier estimate by school officials was tens of millions … Continue reading Smalley Academy Renovation Cost Jumps To $53m; Public Hearing Wednesday, June 22, At Council Committee

“Revolutionary” State Budget? Property Tax Relief, New ED Aid For NB Is Part of Democratic Package

by John McNamara A tentative agreement among Democratic leaders on a biennial state budget that begins July 1st appears to be good news for New Britain and other municipalities in terms of property tax relief and continued aid to the under-funded city schools. Late Saturday (May 31) Democratic legislative leaders and representatives of the Malloy Administration … Continue reading “Revolutionary” State Budget? Property Tax Relief, New ED Aid For NB Is Part of Democratic Package

Dems Recommend Nicole Rodriguez For School Board Vacancy: City Council Will Fill Vacancy

DTC Recommends Nicole Rodriguez For BOE VacancyNicole Rodriguez, a high school graduation specialist in the Hartford School system and parent, is the choice of the Democratic Town Committee to fill the seat left vacant by Dr. Nicole Sanders who recently resigned from the Board of Education.Ms. Rodriguez, who holds a master’s degree in school counseling, … Continue reading Dems Recommend Nicole Rodriguez For School Board Vacancy: City Council Will Fill Vacancy

Board of Ed Should Consider CT Health Partnership; "Significant" Savings To Support Services Possible

When State Comptroller Kevin Lembo talked with city officials last winter he came bearing potential good news that the city could gain hundreds of thousands of dollars for its municipal and schools' budgets without a new tax or cut to services.It may sound too good to be true but it is real and obtainable as … Continue reading Board of Ed Should Consider CT Health Partnership; "Significant" Savings To Support Services Possible

Time for Dialogue: Superintendent Pick Will Meet With Community Groups In May Visit

New Britain Superintendent-in-waiting Kelt Cooper will visit New Britain next month to meet with school officials and others, including members of the Latino and African American communities.Leaders of those groups said a dialogue with Cooper is being planned for next month at last week's meeting of the Democratic Town Committee. The May visit comes in … Continue reading Time for Dialogue: Superintendent Pick Will Meet With Community Groups In May Visit

New Superintendent Search Missed Key, Controversial Information on Kelt Cooper

Kelt Cooper, the choice of the Board of Education (BOE) to lead New Britain schools, rose to the top of the finalist list based on a good educational resume, accomplishments with English Language Learners and extensive experience in diverse districts in Arizona and Texas. The winnowing process concluded after two days of interviews by advisory … Continue reading New Superintendent Search Missed Key, Controversial Information on Kelt Cooper

Reflecting On the Inauguration: Tim O’Brien Wants To Be The "Education" Mayor

Today's swearing in of the new Mayor, Tim O'Brien, and other municipal officials elected last Tuesday was most significant for where it was held as much as what was said at the ceremony. The New Britain High Band played the music and the Madrigal Singers sang the National Anthem as classes at the high school, the … Continue reading Reflecting On the Inauguration: Tim O’Brien Wants To Be The "Education" Mayor

One Way To Promote Job Growth and Stability: Eliminate Tuition At State’s Public Colleges

The earning power of college graduates versus those whose highest attainment is a high school diploma favors the former by a wide margin. In central Connecticut, it doesn't really matter anymore if you want a job as an analyst at an insurance company or fill out an application at a small manufacturer to build parts … Continue reading One Way To Promote Job Growth and Stability: Eliminate Tuition At State’s Public Colleges

Hartford High School Plan Is Instructional For New Britain

In his earliest days as Hartford School Superintendent, Steven J. Adamoski was critical of the $100+ million investment that had been made in Hartford Public High School. The makeover kept the facility a big-box, comprehensive high school with too many students in one place.One of the nation's oldest secondary schools, Hartford Public has faced years … Continue reading Hartford High School Plan Is Instructional For New Britain