Bridgeport School District finance staff presented comparative data Nov. 19 that the committee said show significant disparities in special‑education and supplemental funding between Bridgeport and peer cities such as New Haven and Waterbury.

The presenter reviewed state data for fiscal years 2023–24 and said Bridgeport’s per‑pupil expenditure was $18,922 in the dataset shown and that district special‑education spending appears as $96,600,000 in 2024, with a 2025 figure noted as about $120,000,000 (presenter said 2025 figures are pending final filings). The presenter also contrasted Bridgeport’s reported Alliance supplemental allocation with larger allocations to Waterbury and New Haven and noted Bridgeport has a higher share of students with disabilities and English‑learner needs.

Board members said comparisons must account for local contributions and reporting differences. One board member noted a historical court ruling on school funding that returned remedy to the legislature rather than prescribing a fix; presenters agreed that formula change is political and will require legislative engagement.

The committee discussed IDEA 611/619 grants and how verified free/reduced‑price lunch counts improve grant eligibility. The presenter advised that Bridgeport has improved its lunch verification rate substantially in recent years — a factor that increases supplemental funding eligibility — and said grant and reporting changes explain some of the recent increases in Alliance allocations.

What remains unresolved is whether the formula itself or local reporting and contributions drive the largest portion of the gap. Board members asked staff to compile ECS and Alliance figures for peer districts so the committee can take a precise, itemized case to legislators.

The superintendent and staff said they will prepare a more detailed packet showing peer ECS and Alliance allocations and the district’s reporting adjustments to support advocacy.

The committee plans to use the analysis in upcoming advocacy to request formula changes and supplemental state funding.