Council separates roof projects and advances East End school after debate over timing and state funding

The Bridgeport City Council on May 12 approved amendments to the city’s capital plan that separate two roof projects and advance a state-partnered East End elementary school while prompting an extended debate over timing and the council’s role vis-à-vis the Board of Education.

A substituted capital plan introduced during the special meeting listed three key changes: split the Hallen and Reed roof projects into separate line items so each can be authorized for state reimbursement; reflect that the state legislature had secured approximately 95% of reimbursement for a new zero-net-carbon East End elementary school (leaving the city responsible for roughly 5% plus ineligible line items); and temporarily remove a proposed pool at Central High School while a proposed management agreement is finalized.

The motion explaining the capital-plan substitution noted the city needs separate line items to apply for state reimbursements. The council heard from the director of construction management, Michelle Tero, explaining the reimbursement and project-authorization requirements. The motion’s sponsor said the revised plan shows a lower city cost for the East End project because of the high state reimbursement.

Councilwoman Maria Pereira offered an amendment to move $1 million for the East End School from 2027 to 2028, arguing the public had not been consulted and promising litigation if closure plans were not followed; she told colleagues she had visited multiple schools and spoken with parents and staff. That proposed delay was hotly debated, with supporters of the immediate appropriation saying the 95% state support makes the project too significant to delay.

A roll-call vote on the amendment to the amendment failed, and subsequent technical corrections (including a typographical fix to a facilities line) were accepted. The council approved the capital plan as amended and directed staff to return the proposed pool project with a formal agreement for review.

The meeting record shows the council discussed and recorded amended project totals and procedural steps necessary for state reimbursement; the council did not take a separate roll call in the provided transcript for the final omnibus vote, but the clerk recorded that the capital plan passed as amended.