Confeence Envisions Equal, Quality Public Schools in Connecticut

Big plans were envisioned for a future of equal, quality public education in Connecticut at a one day state-wide conference hosted by the New Haven Federation of Teachers.

“We are here,” said president Leslie Blatteau, “to plan to transform into an education system we can all be proud of.”

Kris Solozarno, a student with Educators Rising at Metro High School agreed it's time to think big, saying “We can change the world and make it better for students and kids.”

Keynote speaker, Rep Jamal Bowman from New York, got a rousing welcome. A teacher and principal before election to Congress, he said he ran for office when he realized it is policy that has to be changed.

“You all, like me, see the unlimited potential and magic of our children every day. I am driven by the urgent necessity to unlock that brilliance.” said Bowman.

“Our world is crippled by racism, war, sexism and inequality,” he said, emphasizing the urgency to “free us from the oppressive education system in place,” and warning that otherwise “we will have a fascist nation.”

Blatteau recalled meeting Bowman at a conference for racial justice in North Carolina which addressed the danger posed by right-wing extremist groups like Moms for Liberty who are running candidates for school boards across the country with the goal to dismantle public education.

“Our vision,” said Blatteau, “is fully funded, fully staffed public schools whose goal is joyful and liberator y learning.”

Panel discussions and small groups spent the afternoon developing a collective vision that prioritizes the needs and potential of all students..

Giving a welcome to the day, Stacie Harris-Byrdsong, president of AFSCME Council 4 and AFSCME Local 3194 and an educator for 30 years said, “I am a champion for a just education system in Connecticut., and radically transforming equity in public schools.”

Recognizing it will take everyone in the fight together she said, “What all you do to embrace the call for equity and dignity in schools in Connecticut can make it a reality.”

On Saturday December 9 Stacie Harris-Byrdsong will receive the People's World Amistad Award along with State Senator Gary Winfield and Husky 4 Immigrants coalition manager Luis Luna. The event will be held at 4 pm at the First and Summerfield United Methodist Church on Elm and College Streets in New Haven.