Bridgeport committee forwards Bassett High School decommissioning after debate over costs, swing space and safety

The Bridgeport School District ad hoc facilities committee voted to forward a recommendation to the full board to decommission Bassett High School and return the property to the city after a staff presentation outlined mounting carrying costs and safety concerns.

George Garcia, district facilities staff, told the committee the district spent $471,886.89 on utilities in 2025 for the site and that, based on recent usage, the district expects roughly half that amount if it continues to carry the building. Garcia said the district has spent $70,384 on electric at the old Bassett site from September through December, compared with $121,162 at the newer facility during the same period, and estimated recurring monthly vandalism and security costs of about $1,000.

"The building is becoming more and more uninhabitable," Garcia said, noting a cracked boiler section, asbestos tile issues and that…