Bridgeport schools report multi‑million‑dollar shortfall and lay out tiered cuts if state aid does not materialize

The Bridgeport School District on April 1 presented a budget update showing an initial funding gap of roughly $61.6 million under the superintendent’s recommended budget and described tiered options to reduce that shortfall.

Nestro, the district finance presenter, said the board’s prior adjustments and recommended savings lower the remaining gap to about $44 million; applying a set of tier‑two revenue increases and expenditure reductions — including a known $5 million city contribution and roughly $529,000 in in‑district excess‑cost reimbursement — would reduce that by an estimated $14.9 million to a $29.1 million shortfall. The district’s team described roughly $6 million in cost‑savings identified with a state technical assistance team and said that further tier‑three measures (school consolidations/closures, extending walking distances, and reductions to some paraprofessional positions) could shrink the gap further but would have major operational and student‑impact consequences.

The presentation itemized savings and risks. Staff said pension employer contributions are rising (the presenter cited a move from roughly 20.78% to 21.93% effective July 1), which the district estimates will add about $485,000 in employer costs next year. Tier‑three options outlined by staff included eliminating some two‑to‑one kindergarten paraprofessionals (estimated $1.3 million), increasing elementary and high‑school walking distances (estimated $1.73 million), and school consolidations (roughly $1.8 million). District staff said implementing all three tiers as modeled would still leave an approximate $24.2 million gap.

Board members pressed for clarity on which line items are firm versus provisional and asked staff to return with verified figures. Staff said some numbers remain contingent on outside reports (for example, a pending Segal review of health‑plan figures) and on the results of ongoing state and city advocacy. The district flagged potential additional variability from high‑needs students, settlements for past claims, and other unpredictable costs and recommended maintaining a cushion for such contingencies.

The update also outlined next steps: staff will return to the board with refined figures and supporting documentation, and the board will continue advocacy directed at state legislators and city leaders to seek additional near‑term funding. The operations committee did not take final budget votes at the meeting.