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Board authorizes attorneys to settle contracts after executive session; 7–1 roll call
Summary
After an executive session on voiding contracts and pending claims, the Board of Education granted its attorneys authority to settle contracts discussed in closed session; the roll-call vote was 7 in favor and 1 opposed, with one board member recording the dissent and asking the explanation be entered in the minutes.
Following an executive session on pending claims and contracts, the Bridgeport Board of Education voted to grant its attorneys authority to settle contracts discussed in closed session. The motion passed by roll call with seven votes in favor and one vote opposed.
The board entered executive session to discuss potential voiding of contracts not approved by the board and other pending claims; the city attorney’s office and board counsel were present for that discussion. After the executive session the board returned, and a motion was made and seconded to authorize the board attorneys to settle contracts as discussed during the closed meeting.
On the roll call a single board member recorded a no vote and requested that a brief explanation be entered into the minutes. That member said on the public record: “I do not believe that in these fiscal times the board should be settling contracts, especially contracts that the board has voted were invalid,” and asked that the statement be included in the minutes. Several other members who voted in the affirmative recorded brief rationales for their votes on the record.
Action details: the motion authorized the board’s attorneys to proceed with settlement authority for the matters discussed in executive session; the motion was carried 7–1. The board directed staff to record the dissent and the supporting explanation in the minutes, as requested by the dissenting member.
What’s next: The board attorney was authorized to complete settlements discussed in executive session; the minutes will reflect the roll‑call outcome and the dissenting member’s explanation. Any terms of settlement will be documented and released according to the district’s public‑records and settlement policies when and if allowable.
