[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6280002,"mediaKeyId","2617753-aea991197f1c67bf79ccdf33761dc184","parentId",2617753,"title","Board authorizes Special Education Advisory Council; adopts Title IX revisions; grants settlement authority","audioSeconds",1802,"startMs",4498000,"endMs",6300000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2617753-aea991197f1c67bf79ccdf33761dc184&start=4498&end=6300","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2617753-aea991197f1c67bf79ccdf33761dc184/thumbnail_4498000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6280002/Connecticut/Board-authorizes-Special-Education-Advisory-Council-adopts-Title-IX-revisions-grants-settlement-authority","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6280002-2c219211dc942ac835371d16a033336a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771094525&Signature=LRvyrtCh3gFO52BF-ctbkerv2Ioh-TmCmR02iyBfsUVKUps2ONk4XhO4vgK228jjFELhJiTK1W4~JZQR8uCq01K2ekJwqv7NMIXfgtK1xIycoI~pVWPHtsRYa0MYcSjCwGvFSYjBZJ2EX8rNVxNxrC-9CCcKD50TfjSEUq5yya3Xw7-AMR67Zv5x7HFdvDKXIIDxYM0wMPkD8ntl3sMy~8XDKBilPBoIqHWhzBlYSNOzTZD8-miVsMfKAE1stQxytuyeHgrj9mNT3X97yKk4Ui2FMSDYFoqac4VUI4HS3xlDrC8dtgEBWBk-hlJ0EG~hKnmro5rIAclVfHZUiKTAYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Bridgeport Public Schools","date","2025-03-10T00:00:00Z","article","The Bridgeport Board of Education voted on several governance and policy items during its March 10 meeting, including authorization for the superintendent to form a Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC), adoption of updated Title IX‑related harassment rules, and settlement authority for the city attorney to resolve several legal matters.

Special Education Advisory Council

The board unanimously authorized the superintendent to establish a Special Education Advisory Council in partnership with the Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC). CPAC representatives told the board the council will be parent‑led and district‑supported, will follow open‑meeting requirements and Robert’s Rules, and will focus on systemic issues affecting students with disabilities rather than individual case appeals. Jennifer Lucier of CPAC described the organization as “the statewide parent training information center for the state of Connecticut,” and said CPAC will provide free technical assistance, training and parent‑leader development. The motion to authorize the superintendent to form the SEAC was moved and seconded; the board approved it in open session.

Title IX policy revision

The board also approved updated federal harassment and nondiscrimination policy language, reflecting changes to the district’s Title IX regulations. The board packet noted that 2024 federal rule changes were partly rolled back by a recent court decision, and administration recommended adopting more detailed PAVE‑sourced language that explicitly covers harassment and nondiscrimination. The board requested that the approved policy be stamped with a revision date and posted.

Settlement authority

Following an executive session, the board returned to open session and approved a motion granting settlement authority to the city attorney for several pending matters (referred to in public minutes as Weiss, Fenich and McMillan matters). City Associate Attorney John Matola asked the board to grant counsel authority to settle as discussed in executive session; the board took the requested action after returning from closed session.

Other votes and approvals

The board also approved a Nutrition Center bread contract and the Food and Nutrition Services budget for 2025–26, both of which the Facilities and Nutrition staff had recommended earlier in the meeting. The board approved minutes for several prior meetings and took routine committee referrals.

Why it matters

The SEAC establishes a formal, parent‑led advisory channel specifically for special education policy and system‑level concerns; CPAC will provide training intended to increase parents’ ability to participate effectively in district planning. The Title IX update aligns district policy with recent federal guidance and a recommended PAVE model; the settlement authority resolves outstanding legal matters and allows staff to finalize settlements discussed in closed session.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Bridgeport Public Schools Regular Meeting of the Bridgeport Board of Education Monday, March 10","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved creation of a parent‑led Special Education Advisory Council with technical support from the Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center, adopted revised Title IX policy language, and granted settlement authority to the city attorney on several litigation matters.","taxTitle","Bridgeport School District, School Districts, Connecticut","taxId",12999,"location","Connecticut","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6280007,"Facilities master plan outlines possible rebuilds and community forums; no school closings approved",8290,2300000,10590000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2617753-aea991197f1c67bf79ccdf33761dc184&start=2300&end=10590","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2617753-aea991197f1c67bf79ccdf33761dc184/thumbnail_2300000.jpg","/articles/6280007/Connecticut/Facilities-master-plan-outlines-possible-rebuilds-and-community-forums-no-school-closings-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6280007-43d9a3ee0edf7adbb04b6bdb66825de8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771094525&Signature=gKxw0i~qpiiNv9~SVnykyLQkBtzUlbvwjw-6EVE7~ENI7~vPhG9rlJtK3S-y3D3NQgW~Rsoo~-QyhdGwD1tLHvUBN47fSrHTju999Bi9mozCbROf9aZo895iAbLtybYMkaD6pdXMSzHPfWTJTYysSSFMRB9Poc~7MHoKWfQXO9gIfWSKzWktWJKp4bAAZjGPjTkAU2oD~ES1hfI~kB2tAddKPk5QDKWeV8Brw7E~CE0rj-tIk8bw93QuOLTGCN~4tuMaIeLAgjSxL0EKR3BmYfTINufhfuQDOA2tE-1HjpFalA5fWhNGwsP6ckjH-qgqoMMvktt0X-wUOFvMuOjO7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bridgeport Board of Education discussed a newly completed facilities master plan on March 10 that identifies major repairs, potential consolidations and options for new construction across the district. The plan — prepared by external consultants and presented to the Facilities Committee — estimates hundreds of millions of dollars in deferred capital needs and includes recommendations the superintendent and facilities staff said merit community review and board consideration.

Facilities staff described two higher‑priority opportunities in the plan: a teardown and rebuild at the Harding (East End) site to house a K–8 school with substantial pre‑K capacity, and a separate specialized‑center proposal intended to reduce costly out‑of‑district special‑education placements. The Facilities Committee report summarized a demographic study and a facilities condition assessment that together suggested more than $700 million in repairs would be required across the district if no new construction is undertaken.

Facilities Director Mr. Garcia said the consultants presented several options — including closures, additions and new schools — and emphasized the board must follow Policy 3600 and the formal closure process should the board decide to pursue building consolidations. “We will not be closing schools without following the policy, the policy 3,600, which includes a closing committee if we decide,” Garcia said during the committee report. He also outlined the early timeline for seeking state school construction support: if the board and city choose to pursue state school building grants, the district must prepare an application package and send it this June to be considered on the state priority list.

Board members repeatedly sought to reassure residents that no closing is imminent and that the process includes multiple community forums and public hearings. Board members and the superintendent noted the district will present the facilities recommendations at three community forums scheduled by the superintendent: March 31 (Harding/East End), April (Central High) and April (Bassett High). Dr. Avery said these forums and additional outreach would be used to explain the plan and receive public input well before any formal board votes on closures or facility changes.

Members also discussed operational tradeoffs: consolidations can generate long‑term savings in building operations and utilities but can also increase short‑term transportation or transition costs; detailed analyses would be required to quantify net savings. Mr. Garcia said staff is preparing site plans, first‑estimate project costings and other materials the board and the City Council can use if they elect to seek city capital authorization and eventual state school construction reimbursement.

Public commenters raised concerns about possible consolidations during the meeting’s public comment period. Several board members urged the administration to present clear visual materials and timelines at upcoming forums so communities can assess the proposals on the record. Facilities staff said they are preparing renderings and schematic diagrams for those outreach meetings and will make them available on the district website and at the scheduled forums.

No formal votes to close or consolidate schools were taken; the board’s actions were limited to receiving the facilities report and scheduling follow‑up committee and public outreach work.","District leaders presented recommendations from an outside facilities study that include possible new construction at the Harding (East End) site and a specialized center; the board and facilities committee stressed that any school closings would follow board policy and public input.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6280011,"Bridgeport officials warn of deep shortfall as board sends 2025–26 budget request to city",4874,1281000,6155000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2617753-aea991197f1c67bf79ccdf33761dc184&start=1281&end=6155","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2617753-aea991197f1c67bf79ccdf33761dc184/thumbnail_1281000.jpg","/articles/6280011/Connecticut/Bridgeport-officials-warn-of-deep-shortfall-as-board-sends-202526-budget-request-to-city","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6280011-8d28c3766952b756be371f03337148e0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771094525&Signature=O0LXzzOwicRR0vyq9NrbC-CoCPB17B2PdGNKXWu6QA0ZbDPO15iGC6FNZwZjuwEvzgU5q05aRiZPNm7LeCldHCvmnm7E4XKAzggSdUeQIgO43AfkMA~VWwZI1naQWfEG-0MjLDaKU8kWMdamjagG5E7nwFNk85FR8WbNDgnCbpPl02iSyi5A4hZDR~PDET75D7SrDFVfvyNrZx73zt7C~9nU1CV9bDVxRhlmX~utL7k9XkcozYTt-fW2GMjEgS7hs9qQCXBeEGNmHXxZA0zKB2mnImcVjpxW2Yr6x7NKh9ExeLgRum04-BRCWEmDqYLzFekdXcwCAdQxBBwIM890Cw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bridgeport Board of Education on March 10 voted to submit its 2025–26 budget request to the city, asking for $25 million while finance committee leaders warned the district still faces a structural shortfall that could top tens of millions of dollars next year.

Board members and district staff said the district has closed some of the gap for the current fiscal year using one‑time reserves and other savings but must still address an estimated remaining shortfall for 2025–26. Finance Committee chair Mr. Sikalovic told the board the committee expects to confront “an anticipated budget gap of $23,000,000 give or take a few million dollars” once final state numbers arrive.

The request the board approved is a necessary step to meet the city’s calendar: it authorizes the superintendent to submit the proposed total operating request for the 2025–26 school year. The board’s action does not finalize cuts; it establishes the amount the district will ask the City of Bridgeport to fund while staff and committees continue work to close remaining gaps.

District and committee leaders described how a mix of factors widened the budget pressure: increases in special education tuition and out‑of‑district placements, higher health‑insurance and retirement costs, rising utilities and transportation expenses, and wage step increases across multiple bargaining units. Interim Superintendent Dr. Avery provided additional context, reporting enrollment of 19,722 students, including roughly 3,900 students receiving special‑education services and about 6,200 English‑language learners. “About 50 percent of those 19,722 students are both combined, special education and English language learners,” Avery said, noting those student needs materially affect costs and service delivery.

The board’s finance presentation broke the problem into three parts: (1) measures already approved that rely in part on one‑time reserves, (2) additional proposed cuts or program changes that would require board approval, and (3) contingent options that depend on state or city action (for example, the special‑education supplemental dollars currently under discussion in Hartford). The administration told the board it has identified validated savings of roughly $26 million, including internal service‑fund draws and negotiated reductions, but that a substantial gap would remain unless the city and state provide additional support.

Board members pressed for more detail on specific line items and sought external assistance. Several commissioners asked the state technical assistance team — which is already meeting with district staff — to brief the board on budget‑closing options and strategies. Dr. Avery said she had scheduled a follow‑up with the state’s lead technical assistance representative and would request the team attend a future finance committee meeting to advise the board.

The board approved the request to the city after debate and a motion by Mr. Traver, seconded by Mr. Benahan. The vote followed committee reports that the district will continue to pursue personnel attrition savings, contract efficiencies and other reductions, but finance staff cautioned that larger structural changes may be necessary if additional state or city revenue is not secured.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to approve the 2025–26 school year budget request to the City of Bridgeport (motion: move to approve the 25–26 school year budget request). Moved: Mr. Traver; Second: Mr. Benahan. Outcome: approved by the board. (Recording: board discussion and vote occurred in open session.)

Why it matters

Board members and the administration emphasized the request is an interim step — required to meet municipal deadlines — and does not by itself close the projected shortfall. If the state and city do not provide additional funds, district leaders said they will return with more specific personnel and program reductions for board consideration. Several members urged a parallel advocacy push with the mayor and the local legislative delegation to seek more state funds and higher reimbursement for special education costs.

Looking ahead

The finance committee scheduled follow‑ups and additional meetings to refine cuts and to present more detailed scenarios for how the remaining gap could be closed. Dr. Avery said the technical assistance team from the state is in active consultation with district staff and that she would ask the team to brief the finance committee on options for closing the gap.","The Bridgeport Board of Education voted to submit its 2025–26 budget request to the city while finance leaders warned of a multi‑million‑dollar gap that will require further cuts or outside help.","actionData","errors"]

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Board authorizes Special Education Advisory Council; adopts Title IX revisions; grants settlement authority

Facilities master plan outlines possible rebuilds and community forums; no school closings approved

Bridgeport officials warn of deep shortfall as board sends 2025–26 budget request to city