Board approves RFP for outside legal counsel subject to superintendent, chair and city attorney sign‑off

The Bridgeport Board of Education voted to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for outside legal counsel, subject to final revisions and sign-off by the superintendent, the board chair and City Attorney Taisha Toms.

The city attorney’s office, represented at the meeting by attorney Mark Anastasi, urged the board to refine the draft RFP and consider relying more on in‑house services to reduce outside legal spending. Anastasi said the draft RFP contained inconsistencies—most notably a proposed contract start date of July 1 with responses due July 15—and suggested shorter contract terms and cleaned-up boilerplate language.

Nut graf: The board sought to balance its need for ready access to specialized outside counsel for education and labor matters with the city attorney’s offer to expand in‑house support. To avoid delays or unintended costs, the board approved the RFP but required final form be satisfactory to three parties: the superintendent, the board chair and the city attorney.

Board members emphasized the time sensitivity: teacher contract negotiations and other labor work typically begin in summer and can require attorneys experienced in education law. Board members and the city attorney’s office agreed to meet before the next board meeting to finalize language if needed.

The motion passed with the condition that final edits be approved by the superintendent, board chair and city attorney. District officials said the intent is to ensure standby outside counsel is available while maximizing the city attorney’s in‑house capacity to reduce routine outside spending.

Ending: The RFP will be posted after the specified parties approve the final text, and the board expects to move quickly to secure counsel in time for summer bargaining work.