Commentary By Board of Education Vice Chair Joe Sokolovic:
Hello Bridgeport,
I recently submitted my response to the Blue Ribbon Commission’s survey on Connecticut school funding. While I welcome the opportunity for public input, I left the experience very concerned that everyday community voices will be lost in the mix.
The survey asks if school funding truly helps students, if districts require stricter oversight, and if administrative services should be shared. By implying these measures aren’t already in place, these questions deflect from the core issues. More importantly, they fail to highlight the systemic disparities baked into Connecticut’s current financing structure.
Optional surveys favor affluent areas with strong civic infrastructure and the privilege of wealth. Meanwhile, families in under resourced urban districts like Bridgeport encounter roadblocks that make civic participation far harder. Without intentional targeted effort, the Commission risks listening primarily to those who profit from the status quo.
Connecticut’s Education crisis isn’t a lack of accountability—it is a lack of adequate, equitable funding. Education quality should never depend on local property values, yet our heavy reliance on property taxes leaves Bridgeport children at a constant disadvantage.
The state’s (ECS) formula must live up to its promise of leveling the playing field. The foundation per-pupil amount has been frozen while expenses balloon; it needs an immediate adjustment to between $16,000 and $17,000 to mirror actual educational expenses. Additionally, the formula’s metrics must weigh family income far more heavily than property value, which currently inflates our city’s apparent capacity to pay and hides urgent financial needs.
Special education demands a similar shift. Legal and ethical obligations guarantee every child a free and appropriate education, yet local taxpayers carry an unfair proportion of that cost. The state must step up to fund special education fully, preventing recurring local budget emergencies while safeguarding essential services.
I urge Bridgeport residents, our families, students, teachers, and taxpayers—to complete this survey and attend public forums. Educational equity cannot be decided solely by wealthy towns with the resources for advocacy.
We must demand real action: boost the ECS foundation, curtail reliance on property taxes, and secure full state funding for special education. Stand up and make your voice heard, Bridgeport.
I have provided a video primer in both English and Spanish here you should watch before answering the survey.
English https://youtu.be/_7bTySJJy7I?is=IX5sh0WbSgxS01MI
Spanish https://youtu.be/Cblff9IOL-c?is=VLIw8uMF_NEVwnCN
Survey: Blue Ribbon Commission on K-12 Funding and Accountability: Public Survey https://share.google/3E45rgBcAIvitI7cT
A lack of motivation and serious desire to learn? As the years pass I’m less convinced that more funding alone is the majic bullet. It’s much more complex with so many moving parts.