At Odds With School Chief, Teachers Vote Overwhelmingly No Confidence In Levy-David

It’s been a battle for Superintendent of Schools Carmela Levy-David, on the job for more than a year.

Now the latest news: nearly all 600 teachers who participated in a Connecticut Education Association poll expressed zero confidence in her leadership, citing rejection of concerns shared by staffers, lack of respect for classroom teachers, shortage of trust and chaotic administration, as well as fear of retaliation for raising uneasiness about working conditions.

A large majority of educators also shared they are considering leave of the district.

District administrators became aware Wednesday night of a recent teacher survey circulated by the Connecticut Association of Education (CEA). 

“While we are disappointed that the CEA did not communicate those results to us first so we could have worked collaboratively, we take the concerns raised about teachers’ confidence in our leadership seriously,” said Superintendent Dr. Carmela Levy-David. 

The district also reached out to CEA Thursday morning to discuss and view the survey, but representatives from CEA had not responded as of Thursday afternoon.  

At the beginning of this school year, the district implemented policies in efforts to improve student outcomes. The data listed at the end of this document lists some of the challenges the district has been working to resolve. In response to those policies, teachers said that the roll out of changes were overwhelming and too fast. District administrators listened and scaled back those changes.  

Levy-David said she appreciates the feedback she has received regarding the pace of change in the district, and she is committed to adjusting how BPS implements its strategies. Administrators are actively working with key stakeholders, including teachers, to make necessary improvements.  

“We understand that feelings of fear and apprehension can significantly impact our staff’s willingness to communicate openly, but their feedback is essential to continue to make things better for them moving forward. We are committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment where educators feel empowered to express their thoughts and concerns without fear of retaliation,” Levy-David said. 

Administrators are working diligently to continuously improve the district for teachers, so that they can provide the best service to their students. Educators have a responsibility under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to provide equitable educational opportunities for all students, regardless of their race, color, or national origin.  

“We are determined to implement changes that uphold students’ rights to receive fair access to education, irrespective of their special needs or language differences. Every teacher entered this profession to meet students’ needs, and I am confident that all educators in Bridgeport are committed to this cause and will support our efforts to transform our students’ lives,” she said. 

Bridgeport Data:  

·         Bridgeport is one of the lowest-performing districts in the state.  

·         Our English Language Arts state assessment results revealed that only 20% of our students are performing at or above grade level, while 80% of students are not performing on grade level.  

·         Our math state assessment results revealed that only 12% of students are performing at or above grade level, while 88% of students are not performing on grade level.  

Research shows that teachers have the greatest impact on student outcomes. The district’s priorities will empower teachers with resources and unconditional support necessary to transform BPS into one of the best school districts in the state.