Testimonial Archives
Student Press Conference Hearing Hartford, CT. 03/19/2025
John Carlos Serana Musser
12th grade, Wilbur Cross High School. New Haven, CT.
I am John Carlos Serana Musser. Student Representatives on the New Haven Board of Education are here with 100 of my fellow New Haven Public School students.
We come to the state capital, not only because it is our duty as citizens to engage in the civic process, but the conditions of our education are critical enough for us to miss a full day of learning and demand change.
Our education has taught us that America was intended to stand on a pillar of equity. What is no better example of that than Public Education? An institution that recognizes the power of learning and how it can be a great equalizer regardless of shortcomings. That was at least the idea of Horace Mann the American Father of Education.
Our education has taught us that our country is failing to uphold its promise of equity and is failing to support institutions critical to the American dream. We have learned this not from a teacher but from our experience as a New Haven Public School Student.
Equity recognizes that people have different problems and thus different levels of support. 1 out of every 5 students in New Haven Public Schools is learning English as a first language. In the 2023-2024 school year 1,084 students were homeless according to Edsight, and many more suffered from economic hardship. How can I reconcile my district's struggles, the struggles of children, and the struggles of our fellow humans with the fact students in New Haven Public Schools receive nearly 1,000 dollars less than the state average? Districts like Greenwich and Westport, places whose median income is over 100,000 dollars spend nearly 10,000 dollars more per student.
Is this equity?
At 7:40 a.m. this morning we left behind schools that struggled with mold in their facilities, leaky roofs, and keeping teachers in their classrooms. Now we come to the state government that sits on billions of dollars in budget surplus, that oversees one of the richest states in the richest country in the world, and ask what will you do when you hear the stories of my fellow students?
If you are a lawmaker will you water America’s roots in equity or nurture a widening gap between the struggling and the advantaged?
If you are a student and you are watching. You need to act now. Our country, as we know, is in danger.
From the fabric of our democracy threatened by oligarchs to our existence threatened by climate change. This is not time for apathy, this is not time for hopelessness, this is not time for half measures. It's time for us to take our term as stewards of this earth, as the future leaders, and defenders of what is right. Though we cannot not vote, we can more definitely learn, organize, and demand change.
Jadelise Garrett
Senior Class President, New London High School. Hearing Youth Voices. New London, CT.
Good morning,
My name is Jadelise Garrett, and I am a student leader and community activist. I am here today to testify in support of SB 1511 because underfunded and understaffed schools in New London—and across Connecticut—are failing students and putting our futures at risk.
Despite the state's budget surplus, our schools continue to struggle with teacher shortages and lack of resources, leaving students without the support they need. I’ve experienced this firsthand, and it’s time we address these issues to ensure every student has access to the quality education they deserve.
First, we must acknowledge the reality: 12% of students in New London are homeless, and 90% come from low-income households. Schools are not just places of learning—they are safe havens where parents trust that their children will grow into well-rounded individuals. Yet, without proper staffing and funding, that trust is broken, and students are left without the support they need to succeed. Students go through all of this while spending the entirety of their days without the proper resources and support in a district and state that knows they are in need.
For years, students in New London have endured chronic teacher shortages. From middle school to high school, I personally faced a revolving door of substitute teachers, leading to disruptions in my education. Entire classes were left without consistent instruction, and as a result, I struggled academically. I failed courses—not because I lacked the ability, but because there was no stability in the classroom. Adding to that, the inconsistency contributed to poor attendance habits, as students lost faith in a system that was supposed to prepare them for the future. Teachers, counselors, and wellness staff are stretched thin, doing everything they can with too little. Without additional funding, students in crisis continue to slip through the cracks. I’ve spent years watching classmates come to school hungry, exhausted, or overwhelmed with responsibilities no child should have to carry. How can we effectively learn?
Connecticut’s teacher retention crisis has only made matters worse. While the state boasts a record-setting $4.1 billion in its emergency budget reserve, New London's schools are struggling to hire and retain qualified educators. Wealthier districts offer higher salaries and better working conditions, pulling teachers away from lower-income schools like mine. In fact, 71% of teaching vacancies in Connecticut are in the state's 36 Alliance Districts, which serve nearly half of all Connecticut’s students yet are disproportionately affected by staff shortages.
Furthermore, New London’s challenges go even deeper. Over 20% of New London’s population lives below the poverty line, yet much of our land—like college campuses, churches, and government buildings—is exempt from property taxes. In a city that is just 5 square miles, we have three colleges, numerous churches, and large nonprofit institutions that do not contribute to the tax base. Downtown alone has four churches within a two-block radius, further limiting the city’s ability to generate revenue for essential services like public education. As a result, New London’s schools rely more heavily on state funding. Funding that has consistently fallen short.
This is not just a New London issue—it’s a statewide crisis. My team and I have testified locally every year, urging for better funding, yet the problem persists. Research shows that Alliance Districts across Connecticut face similar struggles, where students are left without essential resources due to systemic underfunding. The gap between wealthy and lower-income school districts continues to widen, and without intervention, students like myself will continue to be unfairly disadvantaged simply because of where we live.
Meanwhile, Connecticut has run up more than $12 billion in budget surpluses over the past several years, yet our schools continue to struggle. I personally attended the People’s Budget meeting, where I heard firsthand how this surplus could be used to invest in education, housing, and healthcare services. The reality is that Connecticut has the money to fully staff our schools, pay teachers fair wages, and provide students with the support they need, and it is imperative they do so.
The consequences of underfunding education are clear. When students don’t have qualified teachers, they fall behind. When teachers are overworked and underpaid, they leave. And when schools can’t meet the needs of their students, entire communities suffer.
We have the resources to change this. If we truly care about our youth, we need to invest in them. Not just in words, but in action.
Thank you.
Journey Rosa
9th grade, Sound School. New Haven, CT.
“What Is It Worth?”
I have watched ceilings give up,
watched rain slip through the cracks of a system built to break.
I have walked hallways where the cold settles into our bones,
where heaters hum their last breath before falling silent.
I have sat in classrooms where the walls whisper,
where the paint peels like it's trying to escape,
where the desks wobble like they, too, are tired of standing on broken ground.
I have seen students ration their meals like there’s a test on hunger,
seen my friends sleep through first period—
not because they’re lazy,
but because they were working overnight shifts,
or watching siblings,
or searching for a place to lay their head.
And yet—
we show up.
We try.
We dream.
But tell me—
how do you dream when the ceiling is caving in?
How do you learn when the state tells you education is a privilege,
not a right?
New Haven is a city of brilliance,
but brilliance dims when left in the dark.
We are funded $10,000 less per student than a child in Greenwich.
Tell me—
is my education worth $10,000 less?
Is my future something to cut from the budget?
One in five of us are learning English,
but the funding does not speak our language.
Our teachers stretch themselves thinner than the pages of our textbooks,
our schools ration paper like it’s gold,
our city cannot afford to raise more money because Yale owns our streets
but not our struggles.
I have watched my classmates learn to fix broken chairs,
learn to silence their stomachs,
learn to fight battles they never signed up for.
We are told to work harder, dream bigger—
but how do you climb when the ladder is broken?
How do you succeed when the state decides who gets to try?
They tell us the money isn’t there—
but $4.1 billion sits untouched.
They say it’s not that simple—
but when did a child’s future become a matter of convenience?
They say they’re doing what they can—
but when was the last time they sat in a classroom
where the heat stopped working in December?
When was the last time they had to share a textbook
so worn down it barely remembers its own words?
We hear the excuses.
We see the contradictions.
They tell us to be grateful,
to be patient,
to understand.
But what I understand is this:
The money exists. The need exists. The suffering exists.
The only thing missing is the choice to care.
So, I’ll ask you:
What is it worth?
What is my future worth to you?
What is a student’s education worth in the richest country?
Because if you say it’s priceless,
then why do you keep leaving it up for debate?
Elvis Herrera
12th grade, Grasso Tech. FRESH New London. New London, CT.
Good morning, my name is Elvis Herrera, and I am speaking on behalf of Nakayla Isaac, a senior at New London HS who is a strong advocate within both her school and city community. I am also speaking as a student and a life-long resident of New London.
In our city, there are extremely important, and well funded services, such as our sports department, art pathways, & our free lunch programs. Even so, New London High School has urgent needs, and there has been an ongoing battle regarding our education budget.
Over the past two years, the city council has cut the education budget once again, even though it has never properly reflected our needs. We are at risk of losing wellness support for mental health services that are crucial for our students. I converse with people on a daily basis who specifically need services like wellness interventionists, or guidance support. A lot of my friends do not have anyone at home to assist them with mental health services. When the school budget gets cut, mental health services are the first thing on the chopping block.
Additionally, the buses, especially in the mornings, are a huge problem. As I walk onto the bus, I have to look for a seat…except, there are none. I have to look for any seat that already has two people sitting, making it a three seater.
This is extremely UNSAFE, and DANGEROUS. Some kids physically cannot get on a bus that is packed to the aisles, and would rather stay home.
This leads to our poor attendance, with New London High School having a 33% chronic absence rate in 2023, which contributes to our 68% graduation rate, in a state where the average is 88.4%. That means one in three of all of our students are chronically absent. If this isn’t bad enough, we are at risk of budget cuts that would further shrink our bussing capacity.
It is our hope that the legislators today will hear our concerns and fulfill their responsibility to take action. Action that will result in direct benefit to our students. When you invest in the youth, you invest in the whole community. Thank you.
Payton Goodwin
11th grade, Cooperative Arts & Humanities High School. New Haven, CT.
Good afternoon, my name is Payton Goodwin. I am a student at Cooperative Arts & Humanities High School or CO-OP in New Haven. I am also a member of CO-OP’s student council, having a position as the junior class communications officer.
I am testifying on Senate Bill SB 1511, An Act Concerning Disconnected Youth. As a student, I know that students are connected within their learning, but rather some of the issues within our schools are disconnecting them:
Firstly, we need consistent teachers within our facilities. I know that at CO-OP sometimes many teachers leave the school only for classes to be left with “permanent subs” for the rest of the school year. These teachers, who we as students are meant to form relations with, leave due to lack of pay from the district, and due to the lack of pay students lose their education. Students cannot learn in an environment where teachers are consistently leaving due to not making enough to support themselves or their families. Personally I can connect with this, during my sophomore year my English teacher left halfway throughout the school year as he got a position that paid more in New York. He left in January, I didn’t get a new official English teacher until May. This loss of a teacher hindered my peers and my own writing skills. Students deserve an education, and teachers deserve enough money to make a living.
Secondly, the condition of the buildings are in need of improvement. At CO-OP there are several mice living within the walls and crawling across the floor. There are several floor tiles missing, toilets missing or broken, as well as even a student falling through the ceiling. Even with the funds that we have now, it is hard to improve this, so imagine how much worse it would be if our funds were taken from us. As a leader in my school, I want to ensure the safety of my peers, but we cannot ensure student safety or comfort if there are broken ceilings and mice within the schools.
Thirdly, as one of the richest counties in the state, we have one of the lowest money per student ratio. Sitting around 20k per student, this is lower than Guilford's money per student as well as Greenwich. What doesn’t help us even more is due to Yale owning most of the buildings in New Haven, the district taxes cover only a small amount of the money that students are given for classes and activities. Most of the money that goes into the students is federal and state money. With the risk of losing our board of education on the federal level this could have severe consequences on the students of New Haven, especially low and middle income students. AP, ECE classes, and the SAT would no longer be paid for, therefore most low and middle income students would no longer be able to take classes or testing that could potentially help them get into a good and creditable college. Without the funding, students can’t get the grade.
To close, if these issues are fixed, I know that many of the students that you are concerned that are disconnected will connect again with many of the already attentive students. I hope we can work together to fund the future of all public school students across Connecticut because our schools need to be funded. I urge you to make this your priority for this year.
Thank you for your time. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Jonaily Colon
11th grade, High School in the Community. New Haven, CT.
Co-chair McCrory, Co-chair Leeper, and members of the Education Committee,
Hello, I’m Jonaily Eve Colon, a student representative on the New Haven Board of Education and a proud student at High School in the Community or HSC. I am here today to speak in support of SB 1511 - An Act Concerning Disconnected Youth. On behalf of all the HSC students here today, I would like to share some stories about how a lack of funding has negatively impacted our high school experience.
Since starting high school, all of us have had personal experiences with the poor quality of our buildings and other facilities. As a result of underfunding, students I know, like Fatima, have to be concerned about dangerous leaks in the chemistry room each time it rains, putting students at risk when we work with chemicals that could be damaged by leaks. Japhet says when it rains, we shouldn’t have to worry about our second-floor ceilings leaking constantly. Ashley says the mold in the ceiling could potentially become hazardous to our learning experience. Isaac explains that students see our school like trash and so they treat it like trash. Emiliana is worried about our building being able to endure the increasing number of storms caused by climate change. I agree with my fellow students that our schools are currently in horrible condition and we need to do something about it. As students, we know we deserve better. We know we should be focused on SATs and college apps, not leaky roofs and moldy classrooms. Adding more funding, as proposed in this bill, will help us be able to focus on what matters in school: learning.
Diana says, in our current systems children who grow up in wealthier towns inevitably receive more financial support.
“In the eyes of the state, why should a child in one district be worth more money than a child in another district?”
Our neighboring town, Hamden, receives almost $3,000 more per pupil in funds than New Haven Public School students. Because many universities in New Haven have exemptions from property taxes, the city of New Haven and NHPS don’t receive as much local funding as other cities and school districts. We, the students, shouldn’t bear those effects, which is why Connecticut's billion-dollar surplus should be used to benefit our district by fixing our schools and giving us more equitable opportunities.
Connecticut is one of the richest states, yet our schools don’t reflect that. Our district wants the best for our students, but they can only do so much with the funds they have. We want all students to attend a public high school where they will flourish, and this can’t happen without adequate funding. On behalf of my school and all the students I represent, I support the additional funding in SB 1511. With this funding, we can help students not only stay connected to their schools, but thrive in them. Thank you for listening to me today.
Kymiyah Willis
10th grade, New London High School. Hearing Youth Voices. New London, CT.
Hello my name is Kymiyah I am a 10th grade student athlete at new London high school. I am here to testify in support of SB 1511 which can support the financial needs of our school district. Imagine beginning your day by getting on a bus of high school students sitting 3 to a seat, it can be overwhelming to find a safe place to sit. Since I have started high school the busses have been a problem, and it’s getting out of hand people are sitting in the aisle, many students have to walk if there is no more space and this is a safety concern and can cause anxiety and stress among students, affecting their focus and well being, both are which crucial for effective learning. This can reduce the ability to concentrate and participate actively in class. This is causing attendance issues which can negatively affect students academic performance. In 2023 1 out of every 3 New London students was chronically absent. SB 1511 can support funding afterschool programs. Afterschool programs provide safe spaces, enrichment activities, and support for students' academic and emotional development. I play basketball as a way to decompress from things I may not want to talk about if I don’t want to talk to one of the wellness interventionists. If budgeting is cut and these positions are cut, outside of basketball how am I supposed to express myself. to be honest it only makes me think about my peers who aren’t athletic, how are they supposed to manage school when our community and school system is setting us up for failure, thank you
Ambar Santiago-Rojas
12th grade, ESMUS. Semillas Collective. New Haven, CT.
Good morning everyone,
My name is Ambar Santiago-Rojas, and I am a student at Engineering & Science University School in West Haven. I am also a Semilla Collective and New Haven Immigrants Coalition member.
I am here today because our schools are in crisis, and it's time to act.
Every year, we have to fight for necessities—things that should be guaranteed in a state as wealthy as Connecticut.
Underfunding isn't just numbers, it's our reality.
At my school, we've had to cancel activities and field trips, not because we don't want to learn outside the classroom, but because there's simply no money for it. The bathrooms sometimes smell like sewage, making it unbearable to focus in class. Some of the doors won't unlock once they're shut, and we just have to deal with it. These things may seem small on paper, but when they happen every single day, it sends a message: we don't matter enough to fix.
And while other high schools in our district have libraries, we don't. The closest thing we have are the small bookshelves in our English teacher's classrooms. How are we supposed to develop a love for reading, study for research projects, or even have a quiet place to work when we don't have a library? A real library should not be a privilege, it should be a given.
Our teachers are paying the price…literally.
It's not just students who feel this. Our teachers are using their own money to buy things like lined paper, printing paper, markers, and colored pencils. Supplies that the school should be able to provide. They already give us their time, energy, and their commitment. Why are they also expected to give us their paychecks just so we can have the basics?
And yet, instead of making sure students and teachers have what they need, SB 1511 sends funding outside of schools. That is not the solution. We don't need money taken away from our classrooms, we need it invested into them.
We need schools that work for us.
In New Haven, We receive about $10,000 less per student than other districts. That's fewer resources, fewer opportunities, and fewer chances for students like me and my peers to succeed.
One in five students is learning English, yet there aren't enough programs or teachers to support them. How is that setting them up for success?
We live in one of the richest states in the richest country in the world, but when you talk about having money in schools, suddenly we are no longer wealthy.
This is about justice, not money! Every year we’re forced to fundraise just to afford basic senior events like prom and end-of-year activities. This is supposed to be a time to celebrate.
And every year we are told that the state doesn't have enough to fully fund our schools. But that's not true. Their money is there, it's just not going where it's needed most. We don't need another outside program to “keep students connected.” We need basics: functioning facilities, enough teachers, and the resources to succeed.
I urge you, not just as a student, but as someone who cares about the future of this state to invest in sus. Fund our schools, and we will thrive. Ignore us, and you're telling an entire generation that we don't matter.
Thank you for your time.
Johanelyz Arroyo
Junior Vice President, Hillhouse High School. New Haven, CT.
Good morning everyone,
Thank you all for gathering here today. My name is Johanelyz Arroyo, and I stand before you not just as a Junior Vice President at my School but as a voice for countless individuals whose stories often go unheard. Today we are here to shed light on a critical issue that affects us all, the state of public education and the glaring inequalities that exist within it.
Education is often hailed as the great equalizer, a pathway to opportunity and success. Yet, the reality is far different. In New Haven, our Public schools are underfunded, go through law violations, and lack the essential resources that are needed to provide a quality education. This is not just a statistic, it is the lived experience of students who walk into classrooms every day with dreams in their hearts but face barriers that stifle their potential.
I have been in classrooms where the textbooks are outdated, the technology is non-existent, and the teachers are overwhelmed. The ladies room lacks feminine products. This is the reality for many students in our public education system in New Haven . We deserve better. We deserve classrooms that inspire, teachers who are supported and are paid enough, and resources that empower them to thrive. Us young ladies deserve to receive feminine products in our lavs without having to fight for it.
I ask myself: Why is it that the zip code determines the quality of education a child receives? Why do some students have access to advanced equipment and courses, while others are left to struggle in under-resourced schools? This is not just an education issue, it is a matter of social justice. Every child, regardless of their background, deserves access to a high-quality education that equips them for the future.
Today, I stand here with dozens of other students from Hartford, New London and New Haven. We demand equitable funding for our public schools, so that every child has access to the resources they need to succeed. We demand that our voices be heard in the halls of power, where decisions about our education are made. We must advocate for policies that prioritize the needs of all students, not just a privileged few.
We raise our voices today because we are not just fighting for ourselves. We are fighting for future generations. We are fighting for the child who dreams of becoming a doctor, the artist who wants to share their vision with the world, and the leader who will change our communities for the better. Together, we can create a public education system that reflects our values of equality, opportunity, and justice.
I stand here today as a student who believes in the power of education but also as a student that knows that unless schools are equitably funded– we will not receive the education we deserve. Now is the time to truly invest in the future of Connecticut by adding more funding to the Public Schools that need it the most. Like the schools in New Haven – where I live. Thank you!
Appropriations Committee Hearing 02/20/2025
Jadelise Garrett
Student (Senior Class President), New London High School
Dear Members of the Legislative Committee,
My name is Jadelise Garrett, and I am a student at New London High School in New London, CT. I am also a proud member of Hearing Youth Voices, which belongs to CT For All, a statewide coalition advocating for a better future for all Connecticut residents. I am here today to strongly support the proposed $545 million increase in K-12 education funding and to advocate for updating Connecticut's K-12 Education Cost Sharing (ECS) formula to ensure a more adequate and equitable distribution of resources that meets the diverse needs of our students. Connecticut's education system is in urgent need of reform and increased financial investment. Our current funding model does not provide enough support for high-needs students, including low-income students, multilingual learners, and students with disabilities. This underfunding has resulted in significant staffing shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and a lack of essential services that students require to succeed. The ECS formula must be updated to reflect these needs by adding a weight for special education students, increasing funding for multilingual learners, and adjusting the per-student foundation amount for inflation. Special education funding is particularly inadequate. The state's per-student foundation amount has remained at $11,525 since 2013, despite rising costs and inflation. Meanwhile, districts are being forced to make difficult choices, such as cutting essential programs or increasing class sizes, which directly harm students. We must expand the Excess Cost Grant to help districts cover the growing costs of special education services and ensure that every student, regardless of ability, has access to a quality education. Additionally, caseload caps must be implemented for special education teachers and service providers. Without these caps, teachers are overwhelmed with excessive responsibilities, leading to burnout and high turnover rates. Overworked educators cannot provide the individualized support that students with disabilities require, which negatively impacts academic outcomes and social development. Connecticut has one of the most extreme disparities in education funding between affluent and under-resourced districts. While wealthier districts like New Canaan and Greenwich can afford to spend over $24,000 per student, cities like New Haven would need an additional $81 million to reach comparable funding levels. This inequity forces under-resourced districts to rely heavily on local property taxes, exacerbating economic and racial disparities in education. With a state budget surplus of $400 million and $4.1 billion in the Budget Reserve Fund, Connecticut has the means to address these disparities. The legislature must prioritize investments in education rather than shifting the financial burden onto municipalities through increased property taxes. Our students deserve access to the same high-quality education, no matter where they live. Failing to increase funding and update the ECS formula will have long-term consequences for Connecticut's future. High teacher turnover, underfunded schools, and unmet student needs will continue to widen the achievement gap. When students do not receive the education they deserve, it affects not only their personal futures but also the economic and social well-being of our entire state.
Our students have immense potential, and our educators are dedicated to their success. However, without increased investment in education, this potential will go unrealized. Now is the time to take decisive action by increasing K-12 funding, updating the ECS formula, and ensuring that all students receive the resources they need to thrive. I urge you to support the proposed $545 million increase in education funding and to make equitable education a top priority in this year’s budget.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jadelise Garrett
Craig Parker
Education Justice Youth Organizer, Hearing Youth Voices
Members of the Appropriations Committee:
I am the Education Justice Youth Organizer at Hearing Youth Voices in New London and we belong to CT for All, a statewide coalition fighting for a better future for everyone in Connecticut. I am testifying on the Governor's Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27 for an additional $545 million increase to K-12 education funding and to advocate for updating Connecticut's K-12 Education Cost Sharing formula to ensure more adequate and equitable education funding based on student needs, including adding a weight for special education. Growing up I attended numerous types of schools, New London Public Schools, the Williams School, which is a private school on Connecticut College's campus, and the Regional Multicultural Magnet School in downtown New London. Professionally, I have worked in a variety of school districts since 2017, Boston Public Schools, New London Public Schools, and Norwich Public Schools. As the education justice youth organizer I work with young people from New London High School, Norwich Free Academy, East Lyme High School, Grasso Tech, and Fitch High School. Throughout my experience it is abundantly clear every district holds unique needs and educates diverse students. For example, it is vital for districts like New London and Norwich to spend a significant portion of their budget on special education while also addressing needs of students related to homelessness, community violence, and other issues less prevalent in surrounding districts. While ECS addresses some of these needs, which is apparent in the improvement at Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School and New London High School due to increased support staff, the scale of these disproportionate issues in young people's lives requires an increased investment moving forward. This is why I am advocating for increases in funding for students with special education needs in New London and Norwich Public Schools as well as expansion of the Excess Cost Grant so school districts can better support students. Many schools are doing great work, much of which is at risk due to budget cuts. Supporting HB 6864 can not only maintain, but propel the strides schools have taken. Here in New London, the People's Budget Coalition has surveyed hundreds of residents whohave consistently highlighted education as a community priority. Our community needs more resources to ensure students needs are being met. It is reassuring to know that elected officials are working to hear the real concerns and potential solutions for the special education crisis in our state. Students with special education needs have incredible potential and educators and service providers have so much to give. Without increased investments and support, needs will continue to go unmet, educators will continue toburnout, and young people’s potential will be limited. Now is the time for us to take real action by increasing funding and improving services for all children in our state.
Kaitlyn Brown
11th grade, New London High School
Hello, my name is Kaitlyn Brown. I’m an 11th grader at New London High School and I am testifying on the Governor’s Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27 for an additional $545 million increase to K-12 education funding and to advocate for updating Connecticut’s K-12 Education Cost Sharing (ECS) formula to ensure more adequate and equitable education funding based on student needs, including adding a weight for special education. I as a student have dreams for the younger children who are yet to come and go to school. The kids below me deserve a school where they can have the best education possible. We need this money to provide for our kids and ensure we have the best young adults of the future for our society and more. Thank you.
Board of Education Meeting 02/19/2025
Kaitlyn Brown
11th grade, New London High School
My name is Kaitlyn Brown, and I’m a Seventeen year old Eleventh grader at New London High School. Upon hearing that we are having a budget cut I thought to myself, how could we ever have such a thing take place when our schools need more funding than ever. It’s important to me and our families here that we have funding for our schools because without a well kept organized budget for Education, learning becomes difficult in the space if we don’t have everything we need to thrive in schools. I ask that we prioritize keeping student support staff and consider these are the young adults and children who will not only need a good education to succeed in life, but these are also the same people who will sit in your seats when you are gone. Please make the right choice for our community! Thank you.
Jadelise Garrett
Senior Class President, New London High School
Good evening, my name is Jadelise Garrett, and I am here not only as a student and
advocate but as someone who has seen firsthand the impact of budget decisions on our schools. Over the past year, I have worked alongside my peers and community to advocate for educational funding that prioritizes students. Last year, our campaign successfully secured an additional $1.5 million in education funding, ensuring that student support services remained intact. Today, I urge you once again to recognize the real priorities in our schools. At both Bennie Dover and New London High School, we’ve seen a growing number of administrative positions while essential student support roles like counselors, social workers and interventionists face the threat of cuts. Are we ensuring that students, especially those facing challenges outside of the classroom, are receiving the direct support they need? Support staff are not luxuries; they are necessities. They are the people who help students navigate mental health struggles, college applications, food insecurity, and personal crises. They are the backbone of a school community that fosters not just academic success but emotional and social well-being. If we cut these positions, we risk pushing students further from success at a time when they need stability the most. I call on the Board to make a decision that reflects our values as a district. We can discuss efficiency, but efficiency should never come at the cost of student well-being. If cuts must be made, let them not come from the people who are directly responsible for keeping students in school, engaged, and thriving. Education is an investment. I ask that we invest in what matters most, the students. Thank you.
Ceasefire Resolution Statement 05/06/2024
From HYV, WRITTEN BY CJ Parker
Good evening,
My name is CJ Parker and I am the Education Justice Youth Organizer at Hearing Youth Voices. I am writing on behalf of our organization as a whole. More than a month ago, myself and some of our youth leaders advocated for you all to incorporate a discussion on a ceasefire resolution between Israel and Palestine onto a City Council agenda. With Israel’s planned invasion of the city of Rafah, this matter becomes increasingly urgent. Each evacuation order administered by Israel has been followed by unimaginable violence inflicted on Palestinian civilians and destruction of their infrastructure.
Today marks the 213th day of the Israeli offensive in Gaza. More than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7th. An additional 10,000 people are missing and presumed trapped under rubble. More than half of those killed by Israeli forces have been women and children. Months ago this Israeli military campaign was already deadlier for children than all military conflicts across the globe in the past five years combined. Months ago this was already the deadliest conflict for journalists since such data began being tracked in the early 1990s. More than 60% of housing in Gaza has been obliterated. A ceasefire to save innocent lives and preserve infrastructure to keep Gaza inhabitable is long overdue.
Today, Hamas accepted an Egyptian-Qatari ceasefire proposal. Israel has not yet decided on the proposal and it seems unlikely they will also accept it as prime minister Netanyahu claims it doesn’t meet essential demands for Israel. In the past, international pressure in the form of diplomatic measures, or boycotts, divestment and sanctions, has resulted in the prevention of further loss of life and diminished discrimination in other conflicts. We have seen it work in the Jim Crow south as well as the South African apartheid. A ceasefire in Palestine is the first step in addressing what human rights organizations claim to be apartheid under Israeli law. As disease, famine, and continued bombing continue to cause indescribable harm to Palestinians, it is imperative we as a community join the more than 100 localities across the country who have already passed a ceasefire resolution. Such momentum can be instrumental in creating much needed change. Richmond, California passed a resolution on October 25th and such resolutions have reached most regions of the United States. In the northeast for example, Providence, Rhode Island, Bridgeport, Connecticut, Albany and Newburgh, New York, as well as Medford, Somerville, and Cambridge, Massachusetts have joined the call for a ceasefire. These cities all recognize “an injustice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere.”
What is preventing us from being the next city to pass a ceasefire resolution?
Thank you,
Hearing Youth Voices
City Council Budget Proposal Meeting 04/17/2024
Zariyah
New London High School Student
Good afternoon, my name is Zariyah. I'm a 17 year old student attending New london High school. I'm here to talk about investing in our youth and how it will save money in the future. We are asking for a 1.5million dollar increase to the estimated 47 million dollar budget from city council to help fund the wellness interventionist positions. We've talked to the board of education multiple times and spoke at the State Capitol to advocate for more funding for our schools. Keeping the wellness interventionists would prevent multiple outcomes of bad behavior that causes "troubled kids". Norwich City Council just approved 1 million dollars to their schools. Why can't we? The wellness interventionist has a huge impact in kids futures and saving them from the wrong path. As I've said before, being a new student it was hard to keep up with grades, new classes, new teachers etc… They (wellness interventionist) really helped me out! I feel like getting rid of them is throwing out our futures. I know the city council doesn't directly decide how the board of ed spends the money they receive, but you have the power and the voices to provide funding which is important to keep our schools safe. I'm using my voice to speak up for the people that can't.
Thank you for your time. I appreciate everyone for listening and I hope everyone can see how important this is for me, our peers, and our community. Thank you again.
Jeremiah Ikpasa
New London High School Student, 10th Grade
Good evening my name is Jeremiah Ikpasa and I'm a student at New London High School I am 16 years old. I'm in 10th grade and I am here speaking before you to ask you if you could please approve an additional $1.5 million for the school budget in order to keep the wellness Interventionist positions in New London Public Schools. I understand that the City Council does not specifically decide on how the Board of Education spends their funding, but you have the power to allocate funding which is the sufficient to keep our school safe and I don't agree with y'all funding 900,00 dollars of a nearly $5 million dollar request from the schools because it's going to hurt the school and kids and the wellness interventionist. I Just want you guys to prioritize our education in the budget.
Thank you.
Jeremy
New London High School Student
Hello, my name is Jeremy. I'm a 14 year old New London High School student and I am here to testify for an additional 1.5 million dollar increase to the education budget which would maintain the wellness interventionist positions. The reason I want to testify is because I think that we need these positions for the students who need help or someone to listen or support them. For example: every day one of these interventionists comes and checks on me to make sure I'm doing okay and that I'm doing well in my classes. They make sure I don't have any problems, they really watch out for me and I really appreciate them. I honestly think if we didn't have them it would be really problematic for students since, instead of talking about the problem to someone, the problem will get bigger among students which would lead to more fights in school – some kids can even lose their motivation to work.
This is why this subject is important to me. Thank you for your time.
Naheem Smith White
New London High School Student
My name is Naheem Smith-White, I am 16 years old, and I go to New London High School. I am speaking before you today to ask that you approve an additional $1.5 million for the school's budget in order to keep the wellness interventionist positions in the New London Public Schools. The kids of our schools are in need of a place they can go to, and wellness interventionists to talk to. I ask for a place where kids could go to get help and ensure they have accessible resources that will provide a mentally safer, more comfortable environment for students. I understand that the city council does not specifically decide how the Board of Education spends their funding, but you have the power to allocate funding which is sufficient to keep our schools safe. Thank you for your time.
Destiny Underwood
New London High School Student
Hello my name is Destiny, I’m a junior attending New London High School. Today, I am here to ask for a $1.5 million increase to the estimated $47 million from the City Council. I understand the City Council does not decide how the Board of Ed spends their funding, but with your funding we will continue to have sufficient ways to decrease crime rates in our town and decrease chronic issues in our school. Without the wellness unit, I feel like the school’s progress and students and their behavior would only decrease. Removing one of the tools that made our school a safer learning environment would be very detrimental in my eyes. Not everybody has an outlet at home that they can vent to and I have seen how the wellness interventionists have been there for my peers that don’t have that. I can only imagine how the interventionists being taken away from them would affect them. I just want our peers to have the necessities that they need to be able to get through high school. Again, our school has made tremendous progress with the wellness suite being there. I say we should fix the problem before this turns into something that we cannot control anymore. Thank you.
Jazzy Brown
New London High School Student
Hello, my name is Caitlin Brown, I’m a New London High School student. I am speaking before you today to ask that you approve an additional $1.5 million for the school budget in order to keep the wellness interventionist positions in New London Public Schools. These positions are crucial to New London Public Schools. We need money for the students in our schools because without wellness interventionists positions, there are higher violence rates, lower attendance rates, and we ask that you prioritize education in the city budget, especially to maintain the mental health of students and prevent bad things from happening. I understand the City Council does not decide how the Board of Education spends their funds, but you have the power to allocate which is sufficient to keeping our school safe. Thank you for your time.
Rhianna Pierre
New London High School Student
Good evening, my name is Rhianna Pierre. I attend New London High School and I am here to speak before you to ask that you approve an additional $1.5 million for the school budget in order to keep the wellness interventionist positions in New London Public Schools. Their work directly impacts the physical, emotional, and mental health of students and teachers, contributing to a happier and healthier school community overall. Through their interventions, they empower individuals to make positive lifestyle changes and cultivate resilience. Cutting their positions just to save money is not beneficial, so I will continue to also advocate to the Board of Education for the positions because they are a safe place for students and taking that away would impede on the progress we have made as a community. More funding for schools not only makes the school safer, but also New London as a whole. Thank you.
Kymiyah Willis
New London High School Student, 9th Grade
Good afternoon, my name is Kymiyah. I am a resident of New London. I am also a 9th grade student at New London High School. I am speaking before you to ask that you approve an additional $1.5 million for the school budget in order to keep the wellness interventionist positions in our school. This is important because the wellness interventionists create a sense of belonging which leads to increased trust and respect between members of the school community. Also, the wellness interventionists create an environment where students feel safe, heard, understood, and supported which can positively affect students’ learning. I know that you all as the City Council don’t decide how Board of Ed spends their money, but I do know you have the power to give them enough funding to keep the progress we have made in our school the past few years. I have already testified at the Board of Ed and will continue to work with them to make sure that they prioritize these positions in their budget. This is why I think it’s important to provide more money to the education budget because this could help these positions at these schools. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Amir Thomas
New London Middle School Student
Hello, my name is Amir from New London. I am a 14 year old with a cause. I go to school on the New London High School campus in the middle school wing. I am talking to you today to ask that you approve an additional $1.5 million for the school budget in order to keep the wellness interventionist positions in New London Public Schools. This cause is not just for me, but for all the New London students. Wellness interventionists are needed in the school system. You may not know what someone could be going through and when they need someone confidential to talk to which is when these positions become beneficial. Less fights are occurring within the middle school. These positions in our school make it a safer environment for students and staff and make it a more motivational place for students to attend. Thank you.
Mckaylie Francis
New London High School Student, 10th Grade
Hello, my name is Mckaylie and I am a 10th grade student at New London High School. I am here to advocate for the approval of an additional $1.5 million for the school budget in order to keep the wellness interventionist positions within the New London district. When thinking of the importance of this position, I think of the difference between my school experience and my sister’s school experience, a 2019 graduate of the same school. I have witnessed the effect these wellness interventionists have had on the school. Before the school incorporated these positions, student mental health was not prioritized and altercations were considered an everyday thing. Now, we are finally being prioritized and the amount of altercations within the school is reducing. I’m aware that the City Council is unable to specifically decide how the Board of Ed chooses to use their funding, but you have the power to distribute funding to sufficiently keep our school safe. These wellness interventionists are very important to me. I couldn’t even imagine going the next two years of high school without them in our building supporting kids in times when they need it. Thank you.
City Council Meeting 03/18/2024
Devan Williams
New London High School, 11th grade Student
Hello,
My name is Devan Williams and I am a student from New London High School. I am currently in 11th grade. I am here to talk about how the city council can help maintain these positions that are necessary for our school by prioritizing education in the city budget. Our school is at risk of losing some important positions like wellness interventionists that benefit students and teachers. To be honest this isn’t really directly relevant to me because I haven’t had an experience where I’ve had to talk to them but I know and have heard a lot of times that the wellness interventionists have helped someone in many different situations and have seen they are people you could always go to. I feel as though school without them would be way less controlled and there would be way more fights. This is because instead of people taking out their anger and fighting there are people that you could talk to release your anger and issues too and without that i don’t think school would be the same. I feel that it impacts my learning in a good way because teachers and students can be more focused in class instead of fights and altercations which will help all of us be better students. This is why I am here to talk about why the city council should help maintain these positions by prioritizing education in the city budget because it will help keep jobs for our wellness interventionists which help school be an all around better and safer place to be at. Thank you for your time
Amaya
New London High School, 11th grade Student
Hello, my name is Amaya. I am a Junior at New London High School, which I have attended since my freshman year. As a passionate advocate for education reform and student well-being, I am advocating for more funding for the schools. Providing more funding for the schools will help keep jobs like the wellness interventionists. These professionals play a pivotal role in fostering a positive and supportive environment for students. Having experienced the support of individuals like Ms. Charity, a wellness interventionist at our school, I can attest to the transformative impact they have on resolving conflicts and promoting emotional well-being. Ms. Charity has been a guiding light for me during challenging times, providing a safe space to confide in and offering thoughtful resolutions to conflicts with fellow students. Her approach goes beyond mere mediation; she empowers students to develop essential conflict resolution skills, fostering a culture of empathy and understanding. Through her guidance, I've learned the importance of effective communication and empathy in resolving conflicts, skills that are invaluable both inside and outside the classroom. I urge the city council to increasingly prioritize funding for education in the city budget to make it possible to permanently implement wellness interventionists in schools, as their impact is undeniable and invaluable. Thank you.
Appropriations Committee Hearing 03/15/2024
Destiny Underwood
New London High School, 11th grade Student
Hello everyone, my name is Destiny Underwood and I am a junior attending New london high school. Last time I touched base on how without funding me and my peers wouldn't be where we are today. I would also like to bring to your attention how it would also affect middle school. I know that if I had the ability to turn to somebody when I was mentally stuck, the majority of my high school problems would've been eliminated. If I had the right guidance and mental support in middle school that the middle schoolers need now, I know that it would make a better outcome because, along with them, we are the future. Why not try and eliminate problems before they turn into a bigger issue? Having family that goes to Benie Dover, I feel as though I am obligated to speak on their behalf and be one of the voices that speak up so they can be the most successful and have the RIGHT knowledge and mental strategies that they can use when they get to high school.
Natalie Kemp
New London High School, Student
Hello. My name is Natalie and I’m a student athlete at New London High School. I am in support of SB50 because we need money to get the supplies to make the school better for, not only students, but teachers, wellness interventionists and other positions that are being held at the school. We need anything we can to make the school better. For example, it has been brought to my attention that Covid relief funds are expiring at the end of this year which is putting some positions in jeopardy such as the wellness interventionist. One of the main reasons we need wellness interventionists is conflict. SB50 can save and support the kids in the district in many ways. Mr.Keith has helped me in many ways, he has helped me with mental support and with grades. He lifted me at my lowest moments and this is one of the reasons why we should pass the SB50 bill. It can help tremendously.
Kymiyah Willis
New London High School, 9th grade Student
Hello, my name is Kymiyah and I’m a 9th grade student athlete at New London high school. I’m here to testify and support the passage of SB50 because our school district is running out of covid relief funds which is putting our school at risk of losing some important positions that support both students and teachers. Without them I feel as though I would struggle more with school by having grades drop and not being able to be consistent in school. They, the interventionists, are people I could talk to in the building and feel comfortable talking about my bad days with. They support me and are a big help for me and my school community. In conclusion, I strongly advocate and testify for the support of SB50, thank you for your time and consideration.
SaVahn Warren
New London High School, Student Athlete
My name is SaVahn Warren. I am a 17-year-old student athlete from New London, I’m here today to testify in support of SB50. Throughout my experience as a student at New London high school, a wonderful school and community that is rough around the edges, I perceived the many different students with many different characters and perspectives but foremost most of the same problems. As a community we are not all perfect but trying to improve so we can reach our potential. Therefore we all don’t come from a perfect place, we can only work together to change that and make New London's future better as a community. In New London there are many kids who suffer disadvantages in and outside of school and need a positive way to express themselves correctly. But as young students it can be hard to receive the correct guidance that we need. With the benefit of having the wellness suite, it can actually grant us many advantages that may not exist at home such as: comfort and guidance. The suite has also helped me get advice for college, recover failing grades, receive counseling and moral support, also, it is the reason that I was able to understand and pass math last semester. SB50 would cause a great improvement to my school and impact students including myself to be better in the future.
Da’Shain Phillips
New London High School, Student Athlete
My name is Da’Shaun Phillips and I am a student-athlete at New London High School. I am here in support of SB50. SB50 is a bill that would really help my School because it would give funding to keep very important positions such as our Wellness Interventionists. I believe that the Wellness Interventionist job at my school is very important and has a big impact. My reasoning on why I think this job is so important and impactful is because, during my time in New London High School, I have seen the great things Wellness Interventionists have done in my school. For example, keeping some of the kids that wouldn’t be in school, do good in class, stay focused and stay on top of their grades and work in school. Also, the Wellness Interventionist job has helped me in the past, like my freshman year, when the Wellness Interventionist was a great help in my life, helping me to feel comfortable talking to someone – someone I could just let all my emotions out to. There were certain days that year that if we didn’t have the Wellness Interventionist job there to help me, I don’t think I would have made it through those days with a clear head space. That’s just my story, but I know that this bill would be a big help in keeping the Wellness Interventionist Job at my school. Wellness Interventionists in the school play a big role in most of the kids' lives… Just because Arpa grants are expiring doesn’t mean that the need for the resources provided by these grants have expired as well, which is why SB50 is so important for me and my community. Thank you for your time!
Rhianna Pierre
New London High School, Student
Hello my name is Rhianna Pierre, I attend New London High, and I will be talking in support of the SB50 bill. The wellness department gives us a feeling of safety and being understood. I’ve seen, personally, how much of a change the wellness department has given my school in the three years I’ve been there. Everything from: de-escalating situations, making people feel like they have someone to talk to, and especially a feeling of not being judged. My personal experience happened my sophomore year when I was just dealing with insecurities, feeling like I had no one to talk to, and I just felt like my high school experience wasn’t a good one. Around that time is when I met Ms.Charity, one of the staff in the wellness department who just gave me reassurance and just made me feel like I had someone to talk to because I just kept everything to myself. It also gave me encouragement with school because during that time my mental health was taking a toll on me. What I am trying to get at is how important the wellness department is and how much of an impact it has in our school. It’s not like it’s not being put to use. People in that department give so many people so much encouragement and hope and we need that in our school every day, without it I don’t think our school would be able to function. This is why the SB50 has so much meaning to me. Thank you.
Jadelise Garrett
New London High School, 11th grade Student
Hello, my name is Jadelise. I am a Junior in high school, and I have attended New London High School since my freshman year starting in 2021. I am in support of more funding for New London Public School to maintain the positions of the wellness interventionists. My experience with the Wellness Interventionists have been nothing but helpful to me and my mindset while going into school. My freshman year there would be fights all the time mostly between the same people because they would receive suspensions and it would just continue when everyone returned. The wellness interventionists influence students with a more leveled way to avoid or deal with altercations; Restorative circles are commonly used to dispute issues between two parties allowing both sides to feel heard and have an opportunity for an agreement to be made with good terms or no contact, allowing students to go back to class in a better head space, ready to succeed. If you look at the data from 22-23 compared to 23-24. The suspension rate and the number of referrals have gone down and attendance has improved. The Wellness Interventionists have come to make a better school climate for students and staff. Having them allows students to have a safe space and somewhere for them to go, reset, and in some cases remind them of their end goals so they can go back into class and be able to function better with their teachers, peers and within themselves. Personally, the advice given to me by Mr.Richardson, Mr. Parker and Ms. Charity has had a positive impact on the mindset I have while in school, helping me excel socially and academically. Wellness interventionists are a good example of how funding can help maintain positive development regarding the students of this district. Thank you for listening.
Serenity Lancaster
New London High School, Student
Good evening, my name is Serenity Lancaster. I am a 16 year old student athlete at New London High School. I’m here today to advocate for getting more funding to education in order to keep people, such as the wellness interventionists in our school. Our district needs more money in order to save some key people in New London public schools because they seem to be the only people that can help us in situations that we struggle to get out of. There are multiple incidents in our school as in fights and arguments that sometimes quickly escalate and some teachers don’t have control over students whatsoever. With our wellness interventionists there is a lot of respect that occurs between the two. Students have so much more respect for the interventionist than the teachers, also the students have a lot more trust. It takes these individuals a lot of time to try to at least let the kids trust them so it could be easier to explain or express things to them their way. If the wellness interventionists were not there when we needed them, so many things might have gone wrong at so many points, and students could be suspended, expelled, or even worse. They have done so much for the New London public school system. Personally, I can’t imagine high school without these caring individuals. I have had them since highschool started for me. They give me and other students a healthier learning environment and better ways to handle things in school and in life out of school.
Even though our schools are losing the Covid-relief money, the need for the supports created with this money still exists. The wellness interventionists are just one key example. Thank you