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Board approves University School contract after seat reductions; district cites $800,000 in savings
Summary
Bridgeport approved a University School contract for special-education and expulsion services. District leaders said seat reductions (special ed 40→30; expulsion 30→20) and contract changes reduced prior full-capacity costs by about $800,000; the combined university-school programs were presented at $2,250,000.
The board approved a modified University School proposal covering special-education and expulsion services after several members pressed for clarity on costs and timing. Dr. Avery said the district negotiated changes and that the contract represents a lower total than prior full-capacity amounts: "we went back...and I'm pleased to say that, you know, this year's contract is...we will see a savings of about $800,000," he said.
Presenters explained those savings largely come from reducing purchased seat capacity: special education seats were reduced from 40 to 30 and expulsion seats from 30 to 20, which together account for most of the $800,000 reduction. The numbers presented in board materials showed the special-education contract at $1,950,000 and the expulsion program at $300,000 for a combined $2,250,000 this cycle.
Board members asked why the agenda item was late in the fiscal calendar; several expressed concern about timing but supported the motion after the administration explained the savings were part of budgeted assumptions. The board moved, seconded and approved the contract.
Next steps: staff will finalize and post contract documents in the board portal and return any outstanding associated DRN contract items at the subsequent meeting.
