BRISTOL, Conn. – Connecticut educators gathered at the 2025 Spring Conference of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS) to discuss transformational learning and youth mental health.
But the event was overshadowed by President Donald Trump’s call to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education.
Gov. Ned Lamont attended the conference and made his stance clear. “I think it’s a mistake,” he said.
The Department of Education had already cut its workforce in half, adding further uncertainty. Former Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona addressed the impact of job losses within the agency.
“It seems like the sky is falling. These next 24 hours are going to bring a lot of uncertainty. Let’s stay above the political nonsense and focus on what we do best—serving children,” he said.
Supporters of Trump’s executive order argue that dismantling the department will reduce wasteful government spending and give states full control over education.
Despite federal uncertainty, CAPSS focused on helping students manage their social and emotional wellbeing.
Renowned social psychologist Jonathan Haidt delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the role of technology in youth development.
Lamont stressed that mental health remains a growing concern.
“We’ve got more counselors, more high-dosage tutoring, more mental health facilities at our schools and we’re still falling behind. A lot of the kids are still incredibly anxious and mental health needs are real. Jonathan wants to go a step further, with phone-free schools,” he said.
