Bridgeport Schools face $32 million deficit as budget cuts and staff reductions loom

Bridgeport Public Schools is grappling with a growing budget deficit, now estimated at $32 million, following the adoption of a $309 million budget for the 2024-2025 school year. This alarming financial situation was highlighted during a recent State Board of Education meeting, where officials discussed the implications of the deficit and the district's funding sources.

The district's funding for the upcoming school year totals approximately $304 million, which includes $164 million from the annual educational cost share and an estimated $8.3 million in excess cost reimbursement. Additionally, Bridgeport has received over $162 million in COVID relief funding since 2020, with about $17.5 million still available for use.

To address the deficit, interim Superintendent Dr. Royce Adrian has proposed a three-phase plan. The first phase involves staff reductions, including the elimination of 18 assistant principal positions that were not included in the original budget. The second phase will focus on cutting programs and revisiting contracts, while the third phase may involve closing school buildings, pending the results of a facility study.

The meeting also shed light on significant staffing challenges, particularly in special education. The district currently faces 16 vacancies for special education positions, with a total of 31 special education teachers and 38 related service professional vacancies reported. Dr. Avery noted that these vacancies are partly due to competitive salaries offered by neighboring districts and a broader state and national teacher shortage.

In response to these challenges, the Connecticut State Department of Education has developed the Connecticut Special Education Employment System, which has connected over 1,800 job seekers to educational roles. However, Bridgeport has yet to fully utilize this resource.

The district's struggles with special education compliance have also raised concerns. Since 2021, Bridgeport has faced 47 special education complaints, with the number of complaints more than doubling in 2023. The district was previously found to have over 10% of its student Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in noncompliance, leading to a determination of "needs assistance" from the state.

As Bridgeport Public Schools navigates these financial and staffing hurdles, the focus remains on ensuring that students receive the necessary support and resources for their education. The district's next steps will be crucial in addressing both the budget deficit and the ongoing challenges in special education services.