Bridgeport board approves several staffing reductions, eliminates ITS infrastructure manager and asks for forensic audit RFP

The Bridgeport Board of Education voted Jan. 13 to approve multiple staffing reductions as part of ongoing budget-gap work, voted to eliminate the ITS district infrastructure operations manager position, and authorized staff to issue a request for proposals for a forensic audit of district financial controls.

Board members approved elimination of the ITS district infrastructure operations manager position in a roll-call vote after brief discussion of the district’s technology footprint and staffing. The motion to remove the post was moved by Joseph Sakalovic and seconded by Willie Medina; the board recorded six yes votes, one no and one abstention. “I don't want to cut any positions,” the ITS director told the board during discussion. “We can always use more staff,” he added, but said the department regained an assistant director and could manage workloads if the position were removed.

The board also approved the package labeled "Tier 2" staffing reductions that had been presented to the Finance Committee on Jan. 2. Those cuts included a mix of positions across facilities and ITS, with some maintainer roles designated to be eliminated through attrition rather than immediate layoff. Board members and staff stressed that the full dollar savings for many of the proposed reductions will not be realized immediately because some reductions depend on attrition, contractual recall rights, or timing within the fiscal year.

Separately, trustees voted to issue an RFP for a forensic audit covering internal controls, hiring, purchasing, contract awards and magnet-school activity. The board approved posting the RFP; members discussed funding the work and asked staff to seek cost estimates and potential partners before selecting a vendor. "Even a small percent of efficiencies is meaningful," Finance Committee members said, arguing a targeted outside review could identify operating savings.

Not all proposed reductions were finalized. The board voted to refer the proposed eliminations of the director of athletics, the position in student/SEL affairs, and an executive director for school turnaround to the Instruction and Support Services committee for further vetting. Trustees also tabled the bilingual liaison/business office teacher line so committee members could review operational impacts and transition plans.

Why it matters: The actions are part of the board’s effort to close a large budget gap the district is managing this winter. Board members and the interim superintendent described a mix of immediate and multi-year steps — from staffing changes to capital- and program-level options — to reduce spending while trying to limit classroom disruption.

What the board said: "We've got our work cut out for us in correcting much of the misinformation being disseminated in the community," Finance Committee chair Joseph Sakalovic told the full board in opening remarks on fiscal goals. Interim Superintendent Dr. Avery said the administration will return to committees with more precise savings calculations and follow-up plans.

Next steps: The Finance Committee scheduled additional meetings later in January to refine the budget gap plan and to present more detailed cost-savings estimates; the forensic-audit RFP will be posted and returned proposals reviewed at a subsequent committee meeting. The items referred to Instruction and Support Services will be discussed at that committee's next meeting before the board considers final votes.

Votes at a glance • Eliminate ITS district infrastructure operations manager — moved by Joseph Sakalovic; seconded by Willie Medina; outcome: approved (6 yes, 1 no, 1 abstain). • Approve Tier 2 staffing reductions (as presented Jan. 2) — moved by Joseph Sakalovic; seconded by Willie Medina; outcome: approved by majority (roll call). • Table bilingual liaison/business-office teacher line — motion to table carried; item to be revisited in committee. • Refer director of athletics, SEL/student affairs position, executive director–turnaround to Instruction & Support Services committee — motion carried; committee to review before board vote. • Issue RFP for forensic audit of controls/hiring/purchases/contracts/magnet schools — motion carried; staff to solicit proposals and report back on cost and scope.

Ending: Board members said the coming weeks will include more committee work, community forums and efforts to identify revenue and additional savings before the district must adopt a balanced budget later this spring.