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

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.