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Board hears $9.5 million shortfall warning as superintendent outlines new budget process
Summary
Board members were told the district faces a potential $9.5 million deficit; the superintendent outlined a more transparent budget process, a 21-day attendance challenge and community engagement for budget priorities.
The Bridgeport Board of Education was warned Dec. 8 about a possible $9.5 million budget shortfall and heard a plan to involve principals and the community more directly in developing next year's budget.
Board member Joseph Sikalovic told the board the finance committee needs to address "the recent $9,500,000 potential deficit" and to develop a formal advocacy strategy to secure funds.
Superintendent Dr. Avery said the district is changing its budget-development approach to include principals and department heads earlier, citing audit recommendations that called for greater transparency. The superintendent also highlighted a districtwide attendance initiative and a "thought exchange" outreach tool to solicit parent and community input on budget priorities.
Dr. Avery said the district recorded a lower chronic absenteeism rate in October 2025 (22.6%) compared with October 2024 (32%), and announced a 21-day attendance challenge across schools to sustain momentum.
Board members debated referrals to committees and agreed to schedule a special budget workshop for next Monday to review timelines and consider action items. The board also discussed a broader advocacy strategy, including outreach to federal and state officials, to press for additional funding.
Next procedural steps: the board scheduled a budget workshop for next Monday at 6:30 p.m. to continue work on the district's fiscal outlook and planning.
