Connecticut high school graduate can’t read or write. Who failed her?

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — A Hartford Public Schools graduate is taking legal action against the city, the Board of Education, and one of her special education teachers. Aleysha Ortiz claims she asked for educational resources and support for years, but that help never came.

Instead, she said she graduated without being able to read or write.

“My time in Hartford Public Schools was a time that I don’t wish upon anyone,” said Aleysha Ortiz, a graduate of Hartford Public Schools.

Ortiz moved from Puerto Rico to Connecticut, becoming a Hartford Public Schools student in the first grade. She struggled with a speech impediment, dyslexia, ADHD, and, initially, a language barrier.

“Every first day of school, I would tell the teacher I cannot read and write so please be patient for me, so everyone knew,” Ortiz told News 8.

Sitting down with News 8, Ortiz said she was bullied, harassed, and neglected by district employees.

“I would cry knowing the people who had big titles knew this was happening, and no one stepped up to do something about it,” Ortiz said.

She has filed a lawsuit against the Hartford Board of Education, City of Hartford, and one of her special education teachers, claiming her “learning disabilities were not properly addressed by the Board, and as a result, she continued to struggle academically.”

This specific complaint names Tilda Santiago, a special education case manager and teacher, who would allegedly “yell at, belittle, and humiliate [Ortiz] in front of other students and teachers.”

The lawsuit also stated, “Ortiz would frequently run to other teachers and/or administrators in tears and emotional distress.”

We contacted Santiago for a comment, who directed our request to the Board of Education’s staff attorney. We’re waiting to hear back.

Frustrated, Ortiz said she singlehandedly put in the work — dedicating most of her free time to school, listening back to audio recordings of her classes, and using technology (such as Talk-to-Text applications) to complete assignments.

“The first time getting an ‘A’ was very emotional,” Ortiz shared through tears. “Sometimes, I would fake an ‘A’; it was very emotional to know I earned that ‘A.’”

Ortiz was able to raise her grades, meet her credit requirements, and walk the stage with her fellow graduates. It was a moment filled with mixed emotions.

“It’s the treatment that she had to go through at the hands of several people, who were the adults in the room, who were supposed to be helping her,” said Anthony Spinella, the attorney representing Ortiz in this matter. “They really, really hurt her.”

We contacted the city and Board of Education, who told News 8 they can’t comment on ongoing litigation. The superintendent’s office also declined to comment.

Carol Gale, Hartford Federation of Teachers President, said she can’t speak on this specific lawsuit but thinks there needs to be a review of policy:

“It does give educators in Hartford pause to reflect on the sometimes conflicting goals to increase graduation rates while also maintaining high expectations consistent with what a high school diploma should mean.”

Ortiz wants to see change happen so that no other student will have to experience what she did.

“Education is so important and I believe we’ve forgotten the meaning of it,” Ortiz said. “I’m willing and determined to support students in need.”

Many have rallied around Ortiz, getting her the support she needs. She was accepted to UConn and wants to focus on special education policy and advocacy.

As for the lawsuit, they’re seeking an undisclosed amount in damages.

Another lawsuit, which was a special education due process complaint, has been resolved. Courtney Spencer, who represented Ortiz in this matter, called it one of the most “egregious” cases she’s ever come across:

“In the twenty-four years that I’ve been practicing special education law this is possibly one of the most egregious cases that I have come across. It is only due to her incredible resilience and spirit that Aleysha is able to be as strong as she is. She is a remarkable young lady. This truly is a symptom of a much larger problem in our state where the dyslexic population is incredibly underserved, and we are graduating many student students who are not able to read. I have no doubt that as Aleysha goes on with her college education and her career that she will truly change the way we look at reading in the state of Connecticut.”

In July 2024, Hartford’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Education was formed to evaluate data, engage with stakeholders, and create actionable strategies to enhance the city’s educational landscape. The Commission also established four specialized subcommittees, including Special Education.

The Commission recently released an action plan to ensure “all students have access to safe, welcoming schools and high-quality education.”

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