It’s a pivotal moment for the large Connecticut school district.

Amid the recent appointment of a new superintendent at Hartford Public Schools , the Hartford Board of Education chairperson announced she is stepping down from her role.

Jen Hockenhull was appointed chair in June 2024, and led board members through the last year of Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez as superintendent. She said she is stepping down for personal reasons to spend more time with her family but will remain on the board in a non-leadership role.

Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam said that Hockenhull was a “dedicated partner” to strengthen the district’s schools. But he also acknowledged the long hours and often thankless work that goes into becoming the chairperson.

Shontá Browdy, one of the longest serving

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