[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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",[32,76,88,100],{"_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",6073874,"mediaKeyId","2988746-03daafa01825b6903ef45ebcd847d62c","parentId",2988746,"title","Bridgeport board debates budget cuts; rejects elimination of 2-to-1 kindergarten paras, approves layoffs of restorative-practice posts","audioSeconds",516,"startMs",475000,"endMs",991000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2988746-03daafa01825b6903ef45ebcd847d62c&start=475&end=991","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2988746-03daafa01825b6903ef45ebcd847d62c/thumbnail_475000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6073874/Connecticut/Bridgeport-board-debates-budget-cuts-rejects-elimination-of-2-to-1-kindergarten-paras-approves-layoffs-of-restorative-practice-posts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6073874-7ef59de18b9df8a52931b43f5d88b8ef/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173140&Signature=JfI9GQ5YuKnW9Y3ZBLJqFlskK68AxS4K6-u4pAFY2jcn01t1vg2xDiBByMp4sVwA-fLkfLzgJOwowcgkqrrWG89BBM8aS2JlVjzlvNNoWpdWrx7YmkdYQLpTsuBYaxnZhFf2Wr3R72wV6U2Ah5gXxOMEROZsiyuKAmNF2-gapB2~uKuiylJou3EbpDotXqcnjEMOS38hF13ik-ui~1qE8G~oImo5BElSorvDwyeKzf6uOAl7xObS~oy4YWbUO1-hfVRIngzsoBanDmjCBru5oILCT2NumWMk3ucm8N~fVGtQcLJHfqD8xGG5YhymhobyX2OOBb9QngcO2nwMXp138g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Bridgeport Public Schools","date","2025-03-25T00:00:00Z","article","The Bridgeport Board of Education on March 24 held a tense public hearing and multiple votes on staffing cuts proposed to help close a multi‑million dollar budget gap for fiscal 2025–26.

Public commenters repeatedly urged the board not to cut assistant principals, school counselors, social workers, paraprofessionals and restorative-practice staff. Rebecca Cabrera, speaking for BCAS members, told the board proposed cuts would “result in the loss of approximately 24 positions, including 18 assistant principals” and argued those roles are essential to special‑education compliance, student safety and school climate. Restorative interventionist Omar Resto testified that his work has produced “lower suspension rates, fewer physical altercations, reduced chronic absenteeism.” PCM PAC president Jess Resto said restorative staff “ensure that each child feels safe, valued, and respected.”

Nut graf: The meeting centered on measures meant to reduce a projected district budget gap now described by staff and board members as about $30 million if additional state funding does not arrive. The board heard repeated calls to press legislators for Senate Bill 15‑11 and other aid, but also considered motions that would immediately reduce personnel spending for the coming fiscal year.

Key votes and outcomes

- Motion to eliminate district-paid 2‑to‑1 kindergarten paraprofessionals funded through Delta T for fiscal 2025–26: the motion failed. Several board members and many public speakers urged the board to retain these paras; board members noted the positions were intended to be temporary ESSER/Delta-funded supports and that restoring them later is possible if funds are secured. (Transcript evidence: public comment by Rebecca Cabrera, Omar Resto, Jess Resto; motion failed after roll-call; post‑vote discussion stated the adopted FY25 budget already included gap‑closing measures.)

- Motion to eliminate 11 restorative-practice positions (funded through ESSER) for next fiscal year: the board approved the motion. Administrators explained the change is intended to reclassify funding to cover state‑required in‑school suspension (ISS) staff; district leaders said the ISS positions must meet contractual and state compliance requirements and that some current restorative-practice staff may be eligible to apply for posted ISS positions. District staff said the move is largely budget‑neutral because the ESSER‑funded roles will be replaced by operationally funded ISS positions. Several commenters and board members expressed concern about losing staff who provide social‑emotional supports and asked administrators to notify affected employees about recall or rehire rights.

- Motion to reduce facilities overtime spending by $350,000 for next fiscal year: the board approved the reduction and asked operations to present a seasonally adjusted overtime plan and monthly reporting to central office. Some board members opposed cuts to facilities arguing schools already face significant maintenance needs.

Why it matters: Board members and speakers said the cuts were proposed to help close a roughly $28–$31 million gap in the district’s projected budget for FY26. Several speakers, including multiple board members and the superintendent, urged unified advocacy for Senate Bill 15‑11 at the state level while acknowledging the board must prepare a legally balanced budget by June 30 if additional state aid does not arrive.

Discussion and next steps: Board members asked administration to survey principals for other possible savings and to provide clarity on recall rights and wage/benefit comparability for any positions that are restructured. Superintendent Avery said the district is negotiating job descriptions and will continue to consult the union about ISS postings and related staffing changes.

Ending: The board’s votes reflect a mix of emergency budget planning and an attempt to comply with state requirements; several members said they will continue to press legislators for additional funding to avoid further personnel reductions.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Bridgeport Public Schools Regular Meeting of the Bridgeport Board of Education Monday, March 24","oneSentenceSummary","The Bridgeport Board of Education on March 24 held a tense public hearing and multiple votes on staffing cuts proposed to help close a multi‑million dollar budget gap.","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},6073865,"Board implements updated health and nondiscrimination policies immediately; first reads scheduled for time‑out and drug policies",262,3449000,3711000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2988746-03daafa01825b6903ef45ebcd847d62c&start=3449&end=3711","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2988746-03daafa01825b6903ef45ebcd847d62c/thumbnail_3449000.jpg","/articles/6073865/Connecticut/Board-implements-updated-health-and-nondiscrimination-policies-immediately-first-reads-scheduled-for-timeout-and-drug-policies","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6073865-b8df78b2f88fcd39e3b195d6d3424138/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173140&Signature=Hze3eDFsaqdT7cMLNB58WmwcUNe9q~satRZ-KGXRDvgcvoY0lKiT~8W1jn5BJQ7SYrwh0qpYM3Q9ez9MIBUsR-ssRklS~Xjnpr2EFYEu3pF1O0WHxtkwCYgKPyLq-iquDFnR8LbyRMXX4Q8ISJbH9W0r3WVJDKsvqV4iDuHeU9N0jSjB4o9jBE~AW5iph2Gy-thNMoCCdTaaDkWj0R2zbfg5Vhz3KzTDdY32W-sT9PdVEmvoZf3HNnpEMaAmiSVOf2VElZg50b4ONU3Jm7joEbOAsPa5PyEtqKtp-Y2MXgqjY4kc3bBy7DwRYvY-ME~09mCta5UFCzIK4WE4d-9IQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the March 24 meeting the Bridgeport Board of Education voted to suspend a bylaw and immediately adopt updated policies on student health/medical records and nondiscrimination.

The updates and votes

- Health/medical records: The board approved adding a K‑policy (5125) under the district health records section to clarify handling of medical information. New language references the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and includes a sample HIPAA‑compliant authorization form for release of health information. The policy replaces a named staff contact with a role title (School Health Supervisor) to avoid outdated personal names.

- Nondiscrimination policy and notice: The board approved replacing the older policy with K‑policy 0521A. The updated policy expands definitions of discrimination and harassment, lists a district contact (chief human resources officer) and contact details, and provides the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights contact information.

Both policies were moved for immediate implementation after the board voted to suspend the relevant bylaw; a small number of members abstained on the immediate implementation votes, and the motions passed.

Nut graf: Administration and the policy committee said the changes bring district policy into alignment with federal privacy rules and state expectations and remove specific individual names in favor of positional titles to ensure the policies remain accurate as staff change roles.

Other policy items (first reads)

The board conducted first readings of additional policy updates that will return to committee for further work:

- Exclusionary time‑out settings and restraints (K‑policy 5114): A new district policy was presented defining exclusionary time out, seclusion and physical restraint, and a sample data collection form was included. Committee discussion focused on clarifying when a time‑out in another classroom meets the definition of “exclusionary” and ensuring required reporting and demographic tracking are in place.

- Alcohol, drugs and tobacco policy (K‑policy 5131): The draft updates definitions (including electronic nicotine products), clarifies provisions on medical cannabis and CBD, and requires drug‑free awareness programming. Board members asked staff to check statutory language and confirm any references to legality for adults versus students.

Why it matters: The health and nondiscrimination updates clarify legal obligations and provide standardized release forms and contact information for families and staff. The restraint/time‑out and substance policies address compliance and student safety; the board asked staff to return with clarifications before final votes.

Ending: Administration and the policy chair signaled they will supply redline versions, statutory citations and any requested clarifications at the next Policy & Personnel committee meeting before a final board vote on the remaining drafts.

","At its March 24 meeting the Bridgeport Board of Education suspended a bylaw and approved immediate implementation of updated health/medical‑records and nondiscrimination policies.",{"_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},6073870,"Board approves extension with CREC to cross‑endorse teachers into special education; district to cover tuition and offer pay incentive",353,2560000,2913000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2988746-03daafa01825b6903ef45ebcd847d62c&start=2560&end=2913","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2988746-03daafa01825b6903ef45ebcd847d62c/thumbnail_2560000.jpg","/articles/6073870/Connecticut/Board-approves-extension-with-CREC-to-crossendorse-teachers-into-special-education-district-to-cover-tuition-and-offer-pay-incentive","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6073870-b9c05d00900c5cc7ed8f13626c8abbcf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173140&Signature=IN8YUIkGg1F~7-6TwJnI-kj5he5vUZycJLu2ES-hi5SshnpDLauWxLpB0h83ckVDP87HK-Gfkdw81g799NnKX-~XzVXVkj0Tp1LXivPEM6amR2PUK0oHO2gky79g-Xk2WBCUmR69~Zrq4bCjznc13-rOh497UFmRvRKuXekvjEUbpwIOdmEMrF1X1St10QiKcFr-JXT9xdW9biA9h3GLajvEDqx-vg3iuHzx3nlxUTiolj8HK6T5ZFw5mRLqGiETQm-Ul3KxQVhJuguRTcQyxAwfXgzubXhVQbBzQxt64Zch-26NimLqo8tKzIfJU1N5hhj-CgqqHCq~-7pkWy4x9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bridgeport Board of Education on March 24 voted to extend an agreement with the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) to support certified teachers who seek cross‑endorsement in special education.

Under the program described by district staff, currently certified elementary and secondary teachers may enroll in a one‑year non‑degree cross‑endorsement program that enables them to begin serving as certified special‑education teachers under a durational shortage area permit. Program cost to the district is $9,950 per candidate, and district staff asked that Bridgeport pay tuition, provide a two‑step salary increase for participants and secure a post‑completion commitment for several years of service.

Nut graf: The program is a retention and recruitment strategy designed to reduce long‑term reliance on temporary substitutes in special‑education positions. District presenters said more than 20 teachers expressed interest in the current recruitment round and estimated combined costs of tuition and salary steps would be in the low‑to‑mid hundreds of thousands of dollars.

What was decided

Board members supported the concept but requested clearer union agreements. Administration said the current MOU calls for a three‑year service period after certification (effectively a four‑year timeline including the training year) but that any extension of required service would require bargaining with the union. Staff provided a district cost estimate—tuition plus projected step increases—of roughly $167,603 additional salary obligations on top of tuition, yielding a combined approximate outlay in the mid‑$300,000s for an initial cohort (figures provided in committee discussion).

Why it matters: Bridgeport, like many districts in the region, faces a shortage of certified special‑education teachers. The cross‑endorsement program aims to convert experienced general‑education teachers into fully certified special‑education teachers, reducing long‑term substitute use and stabilizing staffing in high‑need classrooms.

Next steps: Administration will negotiate MOU language with the union to clarify the post‑training service requirement, bring revised MOU language back to the board as needed, and publish a timeline for enrollment and hiring.

Ending: The motion to extend the CREC agreement passed; one member recorded an abstention and one opposed the motion during the voice vote. Board members who supported the program described it as a long‑term investment in staffing stability for special education.

","The Bridgeport Board of Education on March 24 voted to extend an agreement with CREC to cross‑endorse district teachers into special education.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6073860,"Hanover Research presents audits on special education, counseling and teacher pay; district plans follow‑up research",3420,2958000,6378000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2988746-03daafa01825b6903ef45ebcd847d62c&start=2958&end=6378","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2988746-03daafa01825b6903ef45ebcd847d62c/thumbnail_2958000.jpg","/articles/6073860/Connecticut/Hanover-Research-presents-audits-on-special-education-counseling-and-teacher-pay-district-plans-followup-research","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6073860-a1236919c7bcb5b6953f6f60fb53926b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173140&Signature=jJg-V7PhpNV0t1Yp2SlGgksHabSEAQiCfTDUZro1pp8jlfSOBfw2Xnyc90lw9FZi0RvrT6kBgUsw9ddtkNktv0JUVenZvymbX5aFcczpr4GUFH4Z9~83l9cJZuqBiLPksUPoCEHkwJsiREQ~ndTuhvRnFKiVULMd6LdY8db6zIghwqGg97bNTVrI5GSLOjWfRWk0-z8DmGSl2MVu5kcm-IylEQS8kui~i8EeQmZQzC9m8Xo7yER-AdNouW2jVGCnk3pZmK-CNi0f2mDhCMtFsST5l4zzZn2NFDaZlGEVIeOHfqFaNgc47w1Q~1ZYL28oIgi8bWUJ1RcjSb2L104XXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hanover Research presenters gave the board a summary of research work conducted for Bridgeport over the past year and sketched possible next steps for using evidence to direct scarce district resources.

What Hanover presented

Presenters Dr. Matt Rigone and Julie Shannonfield told the board the firm delivered eight formal projects to the district, including a teacher‑compensation benchmark against peer Connecticut districts, a toolkit and needs assessment for special‑education identification, an analysis of school climate and counseling models, and other research to support grant applications and program evaluation.

Nut graf: Administrators and Hanover officials said research can identify whether programs are producing measurable student outcomes, help the district recalibrate resource allocation, and support grant applications and legislative advocacy. Hanover suggested continued data analysis, annual surveys, in‑depth interviews and program evaluation to monitor progress and correct disproportionalities in special‑education identification and services.

Highlights and recommendations

- Special education: Hanover reviewed prior external recommendations, offered a toolkit to reduce misidentification and recommended data analysis to monitor disproportionality and outcomes. The firm said clearer identification processes can yield better outcomes and more efficient use of special‑education resources.

- Counseling and climate: Hanover presented an infographic summarizing research on school‑counseling models and suggested district‑wide consistency and ongoing measurement of climate and SEL across schools.

- Teacher pay benchmarking: Hanover showed a comparison of local salary distributions against peer districts and recommended formal program evaluation and vendor scans to ensure the district’s investments yield value.

Administration said Hanover’s work informed the district’s special‑education grant submission and that the partnership is on a membership model that can be renewed and adapted to new priorities.

Why it matters: District leaders said evidence from external research can help prioritize spending as the board faces large budget shortfalls and decisions about staffing and programs.

Ending: Board members requested that the research reports be available in the board portal and asked Hanover and the superintendent to return with specific deliverables, redlines and timelines for any recommended program evaluations.

","Hanover Research summarized eight projects it has completed for the district, including benchmarking teacher compensation, special‑education toolkits, and climate/culture analysis. The firm said follow‑up surveys, data analysis and program evaluation could help the district target scarce resources more effectively.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Bridgeport board debates budget cuts; rejects elimination of 2-to-1 kindergarten paras, approves layoffs of restorative-practice posts

Board implements updated health and nondiscrimination policies immediately; first reads scheduled for time‑out and drug policies

Board approves extension with CREC to cross‑endorse teachers into special education; district to cover tuition and offer pay incentive

Hanover Research presents audits on special education, counseling and teacher pay; district plans follow‑up research