Hartford Public School leaders are bracing for big budget cuts.
Federal grants have been reduced, the city is heading for bankruptcy, there is still no state budget and the school district expecting an influx of students from storm affected areas like Puerto Rico.
"It’s no question of whether they’re coming we know they will be with some family members here so we have to be proactive in our efforts including making sure that we have bilingual and cultural support for our students," Leslie Torres-Rodriguez, the Hartford Public Schools superintendent, said.
Leslie Torres-Rodriguez is warning school leaders of a possible $4 million cut in funding. She issued a hiring freeze on part time employees, a cut back in overtime, and she’s asking teachers to conserve resources.
"It’s kind of scary because they need their education," said parent Tamaria Sherman. "There’s a lot of things going on out here so they have to stay on track and do what they need to do."
