Hartford Board of Education Welcomes 5 New Appointments

In response to criticism from residents regarding the school district’s budget, Hartford’s Board of Education welcomed five new members appointed by Mayor Arunan Arulampalam. The mayor expressed gratitude for the outgoing board members and emphasized the importance of bringing fresh energy, expertise, and strategies to the city’s school district to better serve the students of Hartford.

Last week, the city decided to allocate an additional $10.5 million in funding to Hartford schools to address a budget gap in Fiscal Year 2025. Mayor Arulampalam stated that Hartford’s public education system is crucial to the community’s future success and that the new board members represent a step towards getting the schools back on track.

Among the new appointees is Jenniffer Hockenhull, the director of finance at the Adult Congenital Heart Association, who brings significant experience in financial management and budgetary oversight. Performance Manager Kory Mills, known for his commitment to data-driven decision-making and strategic planning, is another appointee with previous experience in budgetary matters.

Ruth Reynolds Fortune, JD, an associate attorney specializing in estate planning and asset protection, and Steven Tatum, a former educator and board secretary for the Hartford Federation of Teachers, are also among the new board members. Additionally, Stephen Wilson, a project manager at Cyient, brings experience in project management and plan management across various industries.

The appointments will be reviewed at the May 13 Court of the Common Council meeting, with interviews scheduled for the Council’s Labor, Education, Workforce, and Youth Development Committee. The council will vote on the appointments on May 28, signaling a new chapter in Hartford’s efforts to revitalize public education in the city.