Downer Promises To Hit Ground Running

Troy Wyile walked onto the Wilbur Cross High School auditorium stage Monday to present a bouquet to his former tutor — as she embarks on a new route to help young people up their learning game in New Haven.

Wylie was at the school as a guest of Andrea Downer, who was being sworn in as the new District 2 elected representative on the New Haven Board of Education. Downer took the oath of office for her two-year term along with the mayor, the city town clerk, and the members of the Board of Education.

More than four years ago Downer promised to tutor now 18-year-old Wylie in math so he could reach the high school finish line. As she took the oath of office Monday afternoon, Dower announced she’d made good on that promise — while swearing to provide equitable education for all of New Haven’s students as the newest member of the city’s Board of Education. 

Downer, a 1989 Hillhouse High School graduate, was joined at the inauguration by her daughter Brittney Allison and sister Tammika Atkinson-Green on the stage as she was officially sworn into office by retired Connecticut Supreme Court Justice Lubbie Harper Jr. 

Wylie, a graduate of New Haven Academy, celebrated Downer Monday at the event with the flowers and thanks for providing him with academic and encouragement since 2016, through middle and high school.

A decade ago, Downer began tutoring every week at the Mitchell Library. She focuses her tutoring sessions, which are free to NHPS students, on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning needs. Downer said her goals while tutoring are to bolster student confidence in addition to academic success.

Downer’s remarks Monday promised the hundreds who gathered for the inauguration event that she is committed to directly advocating for all of New Haven Public School students and families. 

She thanked her friends, family, campaign team, students, and the voters who elected her into the role as the District 2 elected school Board member. Earlier in the year, elected board member Darnell Goldson sought reelection for the seat but ended up dropping out of the race three months after Downer won the local Democratic Party’s endorsement in July. (New Haven has a hybrid elected, mayorally appointed school board.)

Downer said Monday that her aims include ensuring that all students and parents get equitable support and opportunities, addressing teacher burnout and recruitment, pushing for more school funding, and boosting student standardized test scores. 

“To the students, parents, and citizens of New Haven, I have heard you loud and clear,” Downer said. ​“Together we will be productive for the betterment of our educational system. I am truly honored.”

Downer is the mother of a Career High School graduate. She works as an electrical engineer and serves as Democratic co-chair of Ward 27. She holds degrees in management information systems, engineering, and business policy and strategic leadership.

Click here and here to read more about Downer while on the campaign trail.

After the inauguration event Downer said she plans to spend the first week of the new year continuing to review meeting materials for the upcoming full Board of Education meeting on Jan. 8. She plans to attend committee meetings over the next few days to learn in depth about the current state of the public schools. 

Before departing Monday, Downer was approached by New Havener Bernadette Robinson who introduced herself and requested that Downer help her to get a tutoring gig within NHPS. ​“I want to help the kids read,” Robinson said. ​“I remember having so much fun, that I just want to do it again. It’s my purpose.”

Now retired, Robinson said she desires to work with first and third graders as she once did years ago. Robinson left with Downer’s phone number and promised to contact her to learn of openings for tutors. 

“We need to bring back the village,” Downer responded. ​“I’d love to help get you working with the kids.”