As public schools across Connecticut face mounting pressure from proposed federal funding cuts, educator shortages, and escalating attacks on LGBTQ+ students, state and national education leaders participated in the 2026 Connecticut Education Issues Summit today to confront the most pressing challenges facing public education—and to outline solutions to protect students and strengthen schools.
“School districts are being forced to make increasingly difficult decisions—including cutting essential programs, reducing staff, and stretching already limited resources—hurting students and school districts, especially in our most vulnerable communities,” said CEA President Kate Dias. “This summit gave voice to education leaders who know what must be done to safeguard access to quality public education.”
“With the active dismantling of the Department of Education and no concrete plan to support students or teachers, we must come together to develop genuine solutions that improve outcomes for students,” said U.S. Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. “I commend CEA, as always, for not waiting for someone to invite them into the conversation but instead pulling together a summit like this to begin the work.”
The summit was hosted by the Connecticut Education Association (CEA), AFT Connecticut, the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE), and the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS). Featured speakers included U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, American Federation of Teachers National President Randi Weingarten, and former U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, who shared their concerns and suggestions to put students first, ensuring student access to essential learning, resources, and opportunities.
Speakers emphasized that decisions being made now at both the federal and state levels will have long-lasting consequences for Connecticut’s schools and communities.
“Our educators and support personnel are being asked to do more with less at a time when students need more than ever,” said Leslie Blatteau, New Haven Federation of Teachers President. “Chronic disinvestment in Connecticut and political attacks from Washington have pushed schools to a breaking point, threatening an entire generation’s future. That’s why we’re demanding that state and local elected leaders take action now to protect our kids and communities.”
Throughout the day, panel discussions focused on educator workforce shortages, recruitment and retention, federal funding threats, and the growing need to protect LGBTQ+ students and other vulnerable populations.
“You cannot fix educator shortages, improve student outcomes, or create safe, inclusive schools without serious investment,” said Dias. “Protecting public education means protecting the people and resources that make learning possible.”
“CABE, representing the 1,400 volunteer school board members in Connecticut, is excited to participate in this important discussion of major issues facing public education,” said CABE Executive Director and General Counsel Patrice McCarthy.
“CAPSS is pleased to be part of this education summit,” said CAPSS Executive Director Fran Rabinowicz. “Many of our educational priorities overlap, and we are always stronger advocates for our students, families, and teachers when we come together with one voice for what is good for education in Connecticut.”
The summit concluded with a unified call for policymakers, educators, and communities to stand together for public education—before further damage is done. Speakers called on lawmakers to act now to invest in education and defend the protections that allow students and educators to thrive.
