School Issues Topic of Legislative Forum

The Hamden PTA Council will host a legislative forum with members of Hamden’s state delegation Thursday, Jan. 5 at 7 p.m. in the Hamden Middle School Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium.

Since last November, new legislation has been passed that requires the review and revision of existing education-related laws. Discussion will include what has been reviewed and changed and the recommendations for the upcoming legislative session.

Topics will include Educational Cost Sharing, unfunded mandates, special education funding, individual education plans, teacher evaluations, high school reform, technical schools, universal pre-K, and higher education funding.

“Hamden’s PTA membership, over 1,400 members, accounts for almost 3 percent of the Connecticut PTSA’s membership,” said Marjorie Clark, vice-president of HPTA Council’s membership.  “Not only does Hamden have the numbers to back up its advocacy for education and children’s issues, we are fortunate to be represented by, and have the ears of, majority leaders in both the Connecticut House and Senate. 

"Our goal with this forum is to inform parents and citizens about what is happening in Hartford, and to impress upon them that we need their voice to affect change,” she said.

Confirmed attendees include House Majority Leader Rep. Brendan Sharkey and Rep. Peter Villano.  Also invited but not confirmed at press time, are Representatives Roland Lamar, Gary Holder-Winfield and Al Adinolfi, and Senators Martin Looney and Joe Crisco.  Members of Hamden’s Board of Education and town government are also encouraged to attend.

The Hamden PTA Council is made up of PTA representation from each of Hamden’s eight elementary schools, as well as Hamden Middle School and Hamden High School. Its mission is to not only promote the ideals of the greater PTA organization, but to offer support, advice, advocacy and community to our member PTA units, their members and all of Hamden’s children.