The Bridgeport School District's Instruction & Support Services Committee convened on September 24, 2025, to address pressing issues regarding kindergarten support staff. The primary focus of the meeting was the reinstatement of kindergarten paraprofessionals, which had been eliminated as part of budget cuts amounting to $1.3 million.

The discussion began with an acknowledgment of the challenges faced by kindergarten teachers and students this school year. The district had previously removed paraprofessionals to save costs, but feedback from teachers and parents highlighted significant concerns regarding classroom conditions and the lack of support. In response, district officials, including the superintendent, conducted site visits to kindergarten classrooms to assess the situation firsthand.

During the meeting, it was reported that the district has identified potential funding within its current budget to reinstate the kindergarten paraprofessionals. The superintendent expressed urgency in moving forward with this plan, emphasizing the need for immediate relief in classrooms to support both teachers and students. He noted that veteran teachers have indicated that the current student population presents challenges that require additional support.

The committee discussed the importance of sustainability in funding these positions and mentioned a request made to the state commissioner for additional financial support. The superintendent urged the committee to consider scheduling a special board meeting to expedite the approval process for reinstating the paraprofessionals.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to addressing the needs of kindergarten classrooms and ensuring that teachers have the necessary resources to effectively manage their classrooms. The committee's discussions will be brought to the full board for further consideration and potential approval in the near future.