Committee refers $75,000 debate-team grant travel to full board for approval of Washington, D.C. trip

The Instructional Support Services Committee referred to the full Board of Education a request to approve Bridgeport Public Schools’ debate team travel to the Washington, D.C., Urban Debate League Dragon Tournament in November 2025.

Committee members said the debate team received a $75,000 state grant this summer to support travel, coaching, judge coverage and supplies. A district representative said the trip would take eight students to the tournament and that travel dates would include an overnight departure on Nov. 6 and return on Nov. 9 (dates described in committee discussion).

Members praised the grant and credited a state senator for supporting the award. A district speaker said the senator had been instrumental in securing funds and the committee expressed hope that the senator could attend the regular board meeting when the trip is considered.

The referral motion — moved by Albert Benahan Grajales and seconded by Andre Woodson — passed unanimously. Chair Rob Traeger said the committee would move the travel request to the full board’s next meeting for final approval and acknowledged the work of school staff and volunteers who prepared paperwork and reservations.

The administration told the committee the trip requires out-of-state approval under district policy and that final reservations were pending the board’s clearance. The committee asked for final trip details, including itineraries, chaperone assignments and line-item confirmation of grant spending, to be provided to the full board prior to the vote.

If the full board approves, the district said it will finalize travel logistics, complete required out-of-state approvals and implement grant procurement rules for coaches and judges covered under the grant.