Bridgeport parents were among activists at the state capitol Wednesday morning who called on state leaders to prioritize education this legislative session.

The press conference was organized by a coalition called For Every Child, the same group responsible for holding the rally on New Haven’s Green last month.

Parents took to the podium donning bright green t-shirts to share personal stories.

“I stand here with other parents from across Connecticut to ask Governor Malloy and the General Assembly to continue their work to improve education for all children in Connecticut,” said Bridgeport parent Jessy Toro.

Linda Francis, a parent whose son attends Achievement First, said her child was lucky.

“But I know, not every student gets that chance,” said Francis. “Our state must make sure every kid has a chance at success.”

According to a report issued last year by the advocacy group Connecticut Coalition for Achievement Now (ConnCAN), 40,000 students in Connecticut are stuck in failing

During the press conference, the coalition listed specific recommendation for state legislatures, urging state leaders to focus on expanding access to high quality school options, to work on turning around the state’s lowest performing schools and fixing the state’s broken school funding formula.

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