The Connecticut State Board of Education (SBE) is stepping in to help the Bridgeport Public Schools (BPS). This decision comes after concerns about a $38 million budget shortfall, issues with meeting state educational standards, and frequent changes in leadership.
Charlene Russell-Tucker, the state’s education commissioner, emphasized the importance of this intervention. “We want to make sure that every one of the 19,591 students in BPS has the chance to thrive in school and beyond,” she said. She believes that working together with the local Board of Education, educators, and the community is crucial to providing the necessary support for these students.
The SBE plans various interventions. They will create a technical assistance team to work closely with BPS staff for guidance. They will also require the Bridgeport Board of Education to improve its operational efficiency. Additionally, a district improvement officer may be appointed by Russell-Tucker for a year to help steer these changes. Any candidates for the superintendent position will need Russell-Tucker’s approval before they are appointed.
These actions aim to stabilize operations within BPS and enhance student performance, especially for students receiving special education services. The SBE made this decision after a presentation to its Accountability and Support Committee on January 9. At that meeting, BPS officials were questioned about their plans to address the budget deficit while ensuring quality education, particularly for students with special needs.
In a previous statement, BPS acknowledged the looming $26 million budget deficit for the 2024-2025 school year. This gap arose from the ending of COVID relief funding and increasing costs for special education. To tackle this issue, BPS has taken steps, including cutting 45 positions in December 2024.
Dr. Royce Avery, the acting superintendent at the time, expressed that the district’s priority is to maintain a high-quality education despite the financial challenges. He mentioned the need for budget cuts but aimed to preserve as many academic programs as possible.
During the January meeting, the SBE reported several financial and educational management issues within BPS, including inconsistent leadership. The report highlighted that BPS has had five different superintendents in the last seven years, which has led to instability and challenges in maintaining a consistent educational vision.
Looking forward, Russell-Tucker assured that the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) will keep the SBE updated on BPS’s progress. Future SBE meetings will also give parents, students, and community members a chance to voice their concerns and feedback on the situation.
