One of the first things I learned when starting life in the U.S. was the relationship between property tax and school budgets.

At first, I was puzzled as to why I had to pay so much in taxes every year after buying a house, but I came to understand that a significant portion of that money is used to operate local public schools. It's especially important to grasp this aspect in Hartford.

The Hartford Public Schools system is operated by the Hartford Board of Education (Hartford Board of Education) and includes Hartford Public Schools (HPS). Looking at the budget for the 2024-2025 school year, the projected revenue is $429.4 million, while the projected expenditure is $467.7 million, resulting in a budget deficit of $38.32 million. Wait! While this may seem like just numbers, the implications are significant. To address this deficit, a reduction of 320.4 positions has been proposed in the school system, and the central administration is also facing a potential reduction of 67.1 positions.

Fortunately, the state and city have agreed to provide an additional $10.5 million, but the fundamental issue of budget shortfall has not been resolved. The Hartford Public Schools rely heavily on state grants from the Connecticut State Department of Education. According to Connecticut's education finance support formula, financially vulnerable cities receive more state grants, and Hartford qualifies as such a city.

Let's examine the relationship with property tax. Connecticut has a system where each municipality imposes its own property tax. Hartford is one of the cities in Connecticut with a high property tax rate. The mill rate refers to the tax paid per $1,000 of assessed property value, and Hartford's mill rate is significantly higher than that of nearby suburban towns like West Hartford or Glastonbury. However, paradoxically, despite the high property tax, Hartford's own tax revenue is insufficient to cover the education budget. This is due to a higher percentage of economically vulnerable residents, which weakens the tax base compared to suburban towns.

If you own a home in Hartford, you will pay property tax under the Hartford County system, not El Paso County. The assessed value is determined at about 70% of the market value, and the annual property tax is calculated by multiplying this assessed value by the mill rate. Property taxes are typically paid in two installments, in July and January, and are processed by the Hartford Tax Collector. Wait! If you miss the property tax payment deadline, interest will accrue, so be sure to mark the payment schedule on your calendar.

The Hartford Public Schools system operates various programs and a school choice system. There are diverse options such as magnet schools, charter schools, and public schools, allowing you to choose a school that fits your child's needs and abilities. School choice applications must be submitted within a designated period each year, and you can check the application process and schedule on the Hartford School District's official website (hartfordschools.org). Education is an investment in children's futures, so even with the burden of property taxes, the choice of educational environment is a more important long-term decision.

Connecticut is continuously discussing institutional reforms related to education finance issues. Legal and administrative efforts are ongoing to reduce educational inequality between wealthy suburban towns and financially vulnerable cities. For Korean families living in cities like Hartford, understanding this complex education finance structure and choosing the optimal educational environment for their children is crucial. Information is power.