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Hartford School Building Committee Has New Leader

JODIE MOZDZER

March 17, 2009

Parents and members of Hartford's school building committee on Monday hailed new Chairman John Motley as an advocate and active supporter of education in Hartford.

Motley, a partner at the consulting firm MotleyBeup LLP, was appointed to the committee last month, and was named its chairman at the board's monthly meeting Monday.

Motley takes over for Mayor Eddie A. Perez, who announced in February that he would step down as the chairman of both the school building committee and the board of education, although he will remain on both boards. School board member Ada Miranda was voted the board's chairwoman last month.

"Mr. Motley has been an advocate for education and nonprofit organizations for years," said Janice Flemming, a community organizer in the city. "He works silently for those in need."

Hyacinth Yennie, a parent of former Hartford Public High School students who remains active in the school, said she is hopeful that school construction projects will move forward under Motley's leadership.

"I'm here to support you 150 percent," Yennie said at Monday's meeting.

Motley was the director of external affairs for the school district and was president of the Travelers Foundation. He is a trustee of the Connecticut State University System and serves on boards for the Connecticut Center for School Change, Achievement First charter school in Hartford, and Teach For America.

Motley said Monday that he was prepared to work hard for the children of Hartford.