Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodríguez

Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodríguez is a visionary education leader committed to transforming urban public education through student-centered, community-driven leadership. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Hartford, she brings both personal and professional insight to the work of equity and excellence in public education. Her journey—from arriving in Hartford at age nine as a multilingual learner to becoming Superintendent and CEO of Hartford Public Schools—reflects a deep belief in the transformative power of education.

Since 2017, she has led Hartford’s 17,000-student school system with distinction, overseeing 42 educational settings and a $450M budget. Under her leadership, the district has achieved record graduation rates and meaningful gains for multilingual learners and students with disabilities. She has spearheaded district-wide redesign efforts, expanded access to early college and career pathways, modernized facilities, and led efforts to improve teaching and learning through data-driven practices, inclusive engagement, and innovative personalized education programming that meets the diverse needs and aspirations of students—all while demonstrating strong financial acumen, navigating budget constraints, and remaining steadfast in her commitment to resource equity.

Now in her eighth year as superintendent, Dr. Torres-Rodríguez is known for her resilience and courageous leadership—particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic—and her ability to lead systems-level transformation. Her commitment to cross-sector collaboration and her service on multiple national and local boards—including as President-Elect of the National Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS), and as a board member for Trinity College, Connecticut Children’s Hospital, and other civic organizations—reflect her broader impact on the future of public education. She continues to lead with purpose, deeply connected to the Hartford community where she lives with her husband and two sons.