Finance committee backs referral of Bridgeport Adult Education lease renewal after questions about funding, accessibility and maintenance

The Bridgeport Board of Education finance committee on Aug. 20 voted to refer a three-year lease extension for Bridgeport Adult Education at 418 Castle Street to the full board after extended discussion about funding, building conditions and who is responsible for repairs.

The lease renewal presented by district staff would extend the current agreement for three years with a 3% annual rent escalation, and staff told the committee the space is paid with adult-education grant funds rather than district operating dollars.

Committee members said the district must ensure the contract includes escape or "out" language should grant funding change, and asked for clearer documentation of which grant will be used to pay the lease each year.

Dr. Gregory, who presented the item to the committee, said the proposed extension covers a three-year period with a 3% annual increase and that the agreement "has been vetted by the city attorney's office," adding that the intent of the legal review is to protect the district's ability to exit the…