AFT President Visits New Haven Schools Amid Trump Funding Threats

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers came to New Haven to visit The Sound School and Truman School, showcasing nation-leading career and technical education initiatives under threat of being defunded by President Trump and House Republicans. Their fiscal 2026 budget bill plans to cut $12 billion out of federal education funding as the administration plans to abolish the education department.

The leader of the 1.8-million-member union visited the Pre K-8 Truman School that receives significant support from federal Title I grants which assist students from low income families. In Loles Gomez's fifth grade class Weingarten joined in a bilingual game of musical chairs.

The school features teacher-led lessons with online platforms and iPads, Chromebooks, and interactive projectors, bilingual programs and wraparound services, including a school-based medical clinic and donation closet with clothing for families in need.

Weingarten’s second stop highlighted the work of The Sound School, an interdistrict aquaculture and agriculture science and technology education center (ASTE) designed specifically for aquaculture and marine trades. The Sound School is the first full-time ASTE center in the state focused on these fields, and is a hands-on, career-oriented high school, blending college-prep with strong vocational training.

Leslie Blatteau, president of the New Haven Federation of Teachers, and State Senator and AFT Connecticut President Jan Hochadel highlighted the threatened programs, which help students thrive and secure jobs and further study in teaching, medicine, dentistry, veterinary sciences, sports and alternative medicine, nutrition, culinary arts, hospitality and more.

“There’s a lot of struggle going on right now and we still are so very much committed to the work of our public school educators and union members and to the promise of public education in this city and this state,” Blatteau said.

“NHFT is proud to recognize all of our members who consistently go above and beyond for New Haven students, families, and community as we fight for the world class public schools that our students deserve.,” she added.