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Hartford School Choice: Considering Paper Applications

By Jeff Cohen

December 17, 2010

Hartford students are required to choose their school as part of a program designed to give them a greater voice in their education. But the only way to make that choice is online, causing some concern on the city’s board of education. WNPR’s Jeff Cohen reports.

Board member Robert Cotto says he’s worried that some parents and students who are either not computer literate or don’t have access to computers may be left out of the choice process. That’s why he wants the board to consider introducing a paper application -- something another choice program in the state uses.

"Just given the fact that in Hartford, we have a variety of socio-economic levels and various access to computers, I felt that we really needed to make sure that there was a paper copy also."

Cotto says he's been assured that the item will be considered by the board at its next regular meeting.

The school district’s brochure to parents says clearly that choice applications will only be accepted online and that there are no paper applications.

In an email to WNPR, schools spokesman David Medina says the district uses paper applications selectively and that online applications help the district make sure the data is accurate. Medina also said that the district will be providing one-on-one computer support throughout the city to help parents complete the choice process.

The period for Hartford parents and students to choose their school runs from January 10 to March 31.