Commissioner Charlene Russell Tucker, Governor Ned Lamont and Interim Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery addressed Bridgeport educators at the district convocation, highlighting staffing improvements and services ahead of the school year.

The remarks focused on immediate operational issues that affect students’ daily attendance and learning. "You represent the heartbeat of our school district here and you're the wind that we know that we will go forward through this year," Commissioner Charlene Russell Tucker said, addressing teachers, support staff and administrators.

Avery, identified in the program as interim superintendent, told the gathering the district had reduced special-education vacancies to two and restored bus service. "I think as today, we're down to 2 vacancies in special education," he said, and later urged staff to seek external funding, saying, "If there's grants out there that you know of that we can tap into, reach out to the grants department." He also announced a staff recognition initiative called "In It to Win It" and a new district website that staff can access via a QR code provided at the convocation.

The department and local officials cited persistent attendance problems. Avery noted that last year "over 6,000 students were chronically absent" and said increasing staff retention and family outreach were priorities to improve daily attendance. The Connecticut Department of Education presence at the event included a team of staff Avery said numbered more than 35 who have been working with Bridgeport Public Schools.

Governor Ned Lamont, who addressed the audience, emphasized teachers’ daily importance to students and encouraged staff to welcome students on the first day. "Having a great teacher in the classroom is the most important thing, and that's what each and every one of you do," Lamont said.

The convocation included references to partnerships meant to ease access and services: Avery thanked Connecticut State Colleges and Universities representatives and cited a central registration center at CT State Housatonic. He also asked employees and community members to help advocate for state and grant funding, and to notify the grants office of funding opportunities.

What was said vs. what was decided

The convocation was a series of speeches and announcements rather than formal board action. Leaders described progress on hiring, transportation and training and asked staff to support grant-seeking efforts; no motions or votes were recorded at the event.

Context and implications

District leaders framed the staffing and transportation improvements as part of a larger push to increase student attendance and achievement for Bridgeport’s roughly 20,022 students. The assembly also stressed continuing professional development and partnerships with state agencies. Avery and other officials repeatedly framed the priorities as operational — filling vacancies, restoring bus routes and increasing family outreach — and asked educators to assist by identifying grant opportunities or participating in district initiatives.

The convocation concluded with well-wishes for the school year and an appeal to educators to greet students on the first day. "Tomorrow's the first day. I want you to be there with a big smile on your face," Governor Lamont said.