Hartford, CT: Parents raise concerns over SPED; $30M to expand services in state
- Oct 18, 2025
- 2 min read
Oct 15, 2025, Fox 61, Hartford, CT: Parents discuss Hartford special education concerns, desired improvements
Sheyna Burch, a paraeducator whose son has ADHD, said the school system has not adequately supported her son's educational success.
Parents spoke at a meeting in Hartford Tuesday evening about issues they have experienced with special education in the city's public schools.
The meeting came after Gov. Ned Lamont and state legislators announced a $30 million initiative in September that will expand special education programs and improve staffing across districts.
While discussing their concerns about Hartford's special education Tuesday, parents said advocating for their children wasn't enough in some cases.
Sheyna Burch, a paraeducator whose son has ADHD, said the school system has not adequately supported his educational success. Her son was not ready for first grade and instead of holding him back a year, the Hartford Board of Education advanced him.
"He's now a second grader and he's still having kindergarten issues," Burch said. "It's frustrating being in these PPT meetings because these are the same results. We know he's behind but it's because you guys wouldn’t allow him to stay back."
Other parents shared similar stories. Paraeducators said more functional skills need to be taught to students in the district.
"It's very important for these kids to get the best education that they can possibly get,” said paraeducator Julia Lunard. “It's not just learning educational skills, it's learning how to actually invite them into community, especially in a society that doesn't favor them as well.”
Staffing shortages are just some of the many ongoing problems that are impacting students in Hartford and across the state. Another concern brought up at the meeting was burnt out teachers teaching students who need special education resources.
Burch said that because teachers are accustomed to working without assistance, they don't properly utilize the help when it's available.
"I'm tired of being seen as the lower guy, the underdog, the babysitter,” Burch said. “I'm tired of being looked at as a babysitter. Not only am I a para, I'm a registered behavioral therapist and if you listened to me your classroom would be so much better."
Concerns over federally funded special education support programs for parents were also brought up.
"Some of them spoke about how they don't feel empowered and that’s part of what we can help to do in terms of providing resources, training and advocacy," said Ann Smith, executive director of the AFCAMP Advocacy for Children nonprofit.
Hartford Deputy Superintendent Dr. Kondra Rattley said the district will follow up on the concerns that were brought up Tuesday night.
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