The Board of Education conducted its organizational meeting Monday night at the Aquaculture School unanimously re-appointing Jennifer Perez as chair and Joe Sokolovic vice chair. The vote was done by paper ballot.
Freshman Maritza Estrada Jimenez was elected secretary by a 6–2 vote.
Following the election results, Superintendent of Schools Royce Avery shared the following statement:
“I am proud to continue this important work alongside the Board of Education and grateful for the leadership and commitment of our officers. I also warmly welcome our newly elected Board members as we move forward together in service of our students, families, and the entire Bridgeport community. Our shared mission remains clear, and I look forward to the continued collaboration ahead.”
The district is coming off a year that includes state intervention to address financial challenges leading to cuts in staff and some services. Many school construction projects are underway, however, and a new state-of-the-art Bassick High School opened this current school year along the campus of the University of Bridgeport.
Albert Benejan Grajales, Willie Medina, Rob Traber, Andre Woodson and newcomers Lamond Daniels and Jowanne Burks-Jennings round out the nine-member board.
Key to the district’s financial future is the money flow from Hartford with the General Assembly’s legislative session starting in February. Still to play out is the local financial investment for the budget year starting July 1, 2026 in a revaluation year of taxable property. The mill rate will come down, but what will the ratio assessments be on local property owners versus private sector.
First meeting of new school board:
I have nothing but the highest regard for teachers. Many of my close friends and family are lifelong teachers and long have I witnessed their devotion to educating kids. They are pretty evenly split between more affluent suburbs and urban education.
At the same time, urban education looks to be in trouble. Maybe it’s time to develop a “Marshall Plan” for urban education. (Cue JML)
I found this article fascinating and would urge every member of the BOE and Teacher’s Union as well as State legislators to read – https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/why-are-leftists-so-pessimistic-about-school-reform/ar-AA1RXEmW
Better schools mean a better Bridgeport and more importantly, kids who should thrive as adults.
And it is the funding issue that will take front and center. A little historic context on the intentional Disinvestment in our public schools can be found on my page. Here’s one to explore.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BWU5NhRKK/
And a less partisan post here with a bit more history and shorter.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1NFSF9cenx/