Mayor Arulampalam Makes New Appointments to Hartford Board of Ed.

Mayor Arulampalam Makes New Appointments to Hartford Board of Ed.

Published on May 08, 2024

Mayor Arulampalam Makes New Appointments to Hartford Board of Education
Says the move is 'another important step toward getting Hartford schools back on track'

Hartford, CT - Today, Mayor Arunan Arulampalam announced five new appointments to Hartford's Board of Education. In making the appointments, the Mayor praised outgoing board members for their work and dedication to the city, and reiterated his goal of fostering fresh energy, expertise, and strategies in support of Hartford's public education system and the students it serves. The changes come on the heels of an announcement last week to send an additional $10.5 million in funding to Hartford schools in order to address a budget gap in Fiscal Year 2025.

"Hartford's public education system is and will be a cornerstone of our community's future success, and today is another step toward getting our schools back on track," said Mayor Arulampalam. "I want to thank the individuals who will be departing the Board - they have selflessly donated their time and energy to support Hartford schools. I'm confident that the Board's new members will bring fresh energy and diverse perspectives to the important work ahead. I look forward to working with them, their fellow board members, and all leaders across our city to revitalize public education in Hartford."

The newly appointed members to the Hartford Board of Education are:

• Jennifer Hockenhull, Director of Finance at the Adult Congenital Heart Association. With extensive experience in financial management and budgetary oversight in her current professional role, Jennifer also previously served as CFO/Director of Management, Budget, and Grants for the City of Hartford, overseeing the city's general fund budget and financial reporting.
• Kory Mills, Performance Manager in the City of Hartford's Office of the Chief Operating Officer. Kory has demonstrated a commitment to data-driven decision-making and strategic planning, with previous experience at the City's Office of Management, Budget, and Grants as well as the Connecticut General Assembly's Appropriations Committee.
• Ruth Reynolds Fortune, JD, Associate Attorney at Wiggin and Dana, LLP. Specializing in estate planning and asset protection, Ruth's previous legal experience includes roles at Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri, LLC and the Law Office of Renee C. Redman LLC, where she focused on estate planning and immigration law.
• Steven Tatum, former educator and former Board Secretary for Hartford Federation of Teachers. Steven is a former English teacher and department chair at Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy, and has also demonstrated leadership as Executive Board Secretary of the Hartford Federation of Teachers.
• Stephen S. Wilson, a project manager at Cyient, a technology company focused on engineering, manufacturing, data analytics, networks and operations. Stephen is a graduate of the University of Hartford and is experienced in project management and plan management across various industries.

The appointments will appear on the May 13^th agenda of the Court of Common Council, and appointees will be interviewed at a special meeting of the Council's Labor, Education, Workforce and Youth Development Committee. The Council will vote on the appointments at its May 28^th meeting

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