Hartford, Conn. (WTNH) – A graduate of Hartford public schools takes legal action against the city, the Education Council and one of its special education teachers. Aleysha Ortiz claims she has asked for educational resources and support for years, but this help never comes.
Instead, she said she had finished without being able to read or write.
“My time at Hartford public schools was a time when I didn’t want anyone,” says Alesha Ortiz, a graduate of Hartford public schools.
Ortiz moved from Puerto Rico to Connecticut, becoming a student at Hartford public schools in the first grade. She fights a speech obstacle, dyslexia, ADHD and initially a language barrier.
“Every first school day I would tell the teacher that I cannot read and write, so please be patient to me, so everyone knew,” Ortiz told News 8.
Sitting with News 8, Ortiz said she was harassed, harassed and neglected by employees of the district.
“I would cry, knowing that people who have big titles knew that this was happening and no one intensified to do something about it,” Ortiz said.
She filed a lawsuit against the Hartford Education Council, the city of Hartford and one of her special education teachers, claiming that “the disabilities in the training have not been correctly addressed by the Council and as a result, it continues to fight academically.”
This particular complaint calls Tilda Santiago, a special deed manager and a teacher in education, who will “scream, downplay and humiliate [Ortiz] to other students and teachers. “
The lawsuit also states: “Ortiz will often move to other teachers and/or administrators in tears and emotional suffering.”
We contacted Santiago for a comment that directed our request to the lawyer of the Education Council. We look forward to hearing back.
Disappointed, Ortiz said she had put her work in work once-he congratulates most of her free time at school, listening to audio recordings of her classes and using technology (such as conversation applications) to accomplish tasks.
“The first time I received” A “was very emotional,” Ortiz said through tears. “Sometimes I would falsify A; It was very emotional to know that I won that “A.” “
Ortiz managed to raise her grades, meet her loan requirements and walk the scene with her colleagues. It was a moment filled with mixed emotions.
“This is the treatment she had to go into the hands of several people who were the elderly in the room who had to help her,” says Anthony Spinela, the lawyer representing Ortiz on the subject. “They really hurt her really.”
We contacted the city and the Education Council, who told News 8 that they could not comment on ongoing litigation. The chief’s service also declined to comment.
Carol Gail, President of the Hartford Teachers’ Federation, said he could not speak in this specific case, but thinks he should have a policy review:
“This gives the Hartford Pause Teachers to think about the sometimes controversial goals to increase the degree of completion, while maintaining high expectations in accordance with what the diploma in high school should mean.”
Ortiz wants to see the change to happen so that no other student has to live what she has done.
“Education is so important and I believe we have forgotten the meaning of it,” Ortiz said. “I am ready and determined to support the needy students.”
Many have gathered around Ortiz, receiving her the support she needed. She was admitted to Uconn and wants to focus on the politics and intercession of special education.
As for the trial, they are looking for an undisclosed amount in compensation.
Another court case, which was a complaint of special education, has been resolved. Courtney Spencer, which was Ortiz on this issue, called him one of the most relentless cases she had ever encountered:
“In twenty-four years, in which I practice special educational law, this is probably one of the most outrageous cases I came across. It is only because of her incredible resilience and spirit that Alesha is able to be as strong as she is. She is a remarkable young lady. This is really a symptom of a much more problem in our condition, where the dyslexia population is incredibly undervalued and we end many students who are unable to read. I have no doubt that while Alesha continues her college and career education, she will really change the way we look at reading in Connecticut. “
In July 2024, the Hartford Blue Data Assessment Commission was formed, engaging with stakeholders and creating strategies that can be improved to improve the city’s educational landscape. The Commission also established four specialized subcommitters, including special education.
The Commission recently launched an action plan to ensure that “all students have access to safe, welcoming schools and high quality education.”
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