[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6358124,"mediaKeyId","2212801-2454f0394befff3761d0b0294dc098b8","parentId",2212801,"title","Superintendent creates special‑education and attendance task forces, highlights high SPED costs and community forums","audioSeconds",2967,"startMs",2617000,"endMs",5584000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2212801-2454f0394befff3761d0b0294dc098b8&start=2617&end=5584","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2212801-2454f0394befff3761d0b0294dc098b8/thumbnail_2617000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6358124/Connecticut/Superintendent-creates-specialeducation-and-attendance-task-forces-highlights-high-SPED-costs-and-community-forums","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6358124-b678df88b9ac7c666c74f78c79f24179/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155512&Signature=fUG7WqmFOMpwwoaLn90VxNk2Ndhc8ptsOdrRZS5lX34pnA-SLUv6Y3U5boeQV0fqVM4BYXAsSWP3gny1FRDH1eQGUE7onFQMf40d-YsFEeWM26142qmGCwpO2QieR--rHBg8rt8c84WMNd4AgeEKpmymtW6HgRQjpq306Yay1fc4tIU18oQAllRJdFlxHU4SWXVuvD7mM1Pr0u7KBvwl75zwMC6cmfVbnHv31GBqeyX1BZJZi8UujzyoJ1WQzKGjYQyvMPIrURG5GqdODHDlb3f160E6CDtLXgRtHmaN8K9eiY8ujbiw94yHCyXEu4BUpgGZE6wycsL4NzzjvX9JWg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Bridgeport Public Schools","date","2025-01-13T00:00:00Z","article","Interim Superintendent Dr. Avery used his Jan. 13 report to describe two district initiatives — a special‑education task force and an attendance task force — and to preview community forums planned for January.

Dr. Avery said the special‑education task force will assess current practices and identify improvements and innovations for special‑education services across the district. He said the task force would aim to have at least 50% parent representation and that the district is actively recruiting parents through principals and campus notices. \"We are currently looking for, 50% of the task force members need to be parents,\" Dr. Avery said. He asked parents to contact the superintendent's office to volunteer; the district had its first task‑force meeting the week before and planned further outreach.

Dr. Avery also described the district’s attendance work: the new attendance task force will analyze chronic absenteeism, study practices at campuses with stronger attendance and bring recommendations forward. \"This task force is really trying to prevent and to come up with a root cause for chronic absenteeism,\" he said.

On costs, Dr. Avery and CFO Nestor briefed the board on special‑education spending and transportation. Dr. Avery told trustees that roughly $115 million of the district’s adopted $304 million budget was associated with special education; he said transportation for out‑of‑district placements and residential placements is a significant cost driver. \"We're spending almost $115,000,000 just on special ed alone,\" he said, and noted the district transports more than 350 students to placements outside the district.

The superintendent previewed two public events: a school‑safety forum and an open community forum. The safety session is scheduled for Jan. 16 at Central High School, and the general public forum is set for Jan. 22 at Black Rock Library. Dr. Avery said the forums will include presentations on safety protocols and budget questions and are intended to improve transparency and community engagement.

Why it matters: The special‑education task force and attendance effort are intended to identify programmatic changes that could improve services and potentially reduce costly out‑of‑district placements and transportation. The board flagged the expense of SPED services as a key driver of the district deficit and a focus for state advocacy.

What the board asked: Trustees sought follow‑up detail on the composition of the task force, how families will be recruited and how the district will measure the task force’s recommendations. Board members also asked for a clear accounting of whether the transportation and out‑of‑district placements are increasing and for baseline data the board can use when reviewing savings proposals.

Ending: Dr. Avery asked community members to volunteer for the special‑education task force and said the district will post forum information on the website and invite partners and parents to participate.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Bridgeport Public Schools Regular Meeting of the Bridgeport Board of Education Monday, January 13","oneSentenceSummary","Interim Superintendent Dr. Avery announced a new special‑education task force, described an attendance initiative and outlined community engagement events; he also reported the district’s special‑education costs and asked for parent participants to join the task force.","taxTitle","Bridgeport School District, School Districts, Connecticut","taxId",12999,"location","Connecticut","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6358128,"Board questions hiring-freeze compliance after dozens of job postings amid layoffs",346,3022000,3368000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2212801-2454f0394befff3761d0b0294dc098b8&start=3022&end=3368","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2212801-2454f0394befff3761d0b0294dc098b8/thumbnail_3022000.jpg","/articles/6358128/Connecticut/Board-questions-hiring-freeze-compliance-after-dozens-of-job-postings-amid-layoffs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6358128-f36a7dccc347f1fa4a2fade4c6d5edb4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155512&Signature=hVinkk3JAX2FWwgYiuXflp8QkMKUudXb1XZfL~4r1iLY-5KfEJcIKbA5TlHWEgWOAl38b-uuCtSvOcsOhnI4O5l5iossdUBdzBruPPbuZ6UDsKT1QAdlqqYnLMMbwJRrASsdPdxXNzF77zwg2rgXs0tx47xnsABqZFfqPQ4-uWmIF0~1I4UJW4SkpTTjTH3UohRhTe~~Ll8hy8KNJzev7gNA5URG65D7jr9CrytXSYan1-TTpv2OBnE9zfXfM80D830KmDtM4AXJ8OqWtBitQc36z~SHXuaqsQoXYbgWP6PpUG-Ip-W8cBVNIQXnqY9dbgjslNSfaX8CYIxg5gwd6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public comment and a sustained line of board questioning on Jan. 13 focused on the district's stated hiring freeze and the large number of job postings visible on the district portal.

Resident Faith Sweeney asked the board directly: \"When is the superintendent search taking place, and how will you inform and include the community?\" She also called attention to archived agenda packets and minutes that were not accessible online. After public comment, board members pressed district leadership for clarity about whether the hiring freeze announced Nov. 8 remains in effect and which positions are exempt.

\"Is the district still participating in a districtwide hiring freeze pursuant to the letter that was sent out on Nov. 8, 2024?\" Board member Christine Baptiste Perez asked. Dom Castillo, representing human resources, answered that the district remains under a hiring freeze but that several categories are exempt: special education teachers, science teachers and long-term substitutes. The superintendent later confirmed that the freeze also exempts ESL positions and other designated shortage areas.

Board members and staff diverged over why non‑exempt roles continued to appear on the job portal. Dr. Avery and Human Resources staff explained that the district posts positions to build applicant pools so that, when the freeze lifts or an exception is granted, qualified applicants are available rather than having to start recruitment from scratch. \"Just because we're posting for them doesn't mean that we're currently hiring for that position,\" Dr. Avery said. HR described a process in which hiring requests are submitted, reviewed by finance for available funding, and then posted.

Several trustees pressed that posting vacancies while publicly explaining an active hiring freeze could be misleading and could harm the district’s reputation as an employer. Board member Christine Baptiste Perez called the practice \"disingenuous\" in the context of ongoing layoffs and a budget deficit.

Why it matters: The exchange matters because the timing and transparency of hiring practices intersect with active layoff notices, contract recall rights and projected savings. Board members said they need clearer, up‑to‑date reports on which positions are funded, which remain open and how posting activity affects the budget outlook.

What the administration said: Nestor, the district’s chief financial officer, told the board the accountant position that appeared on the portal was advertised and interviewed earlier and was being cleared administratively. HR said it would follow up on outstanding postings and report back with specifics. Dr. Avery and HR staff agreed to deliver a list of positions previously advertised, the funding source for each role and whether any posted opening is intended to be filled during the freeze.

Ending: Trustees asked staff to provide an itemized list showing positions posted since Nov. 8, the funding source for each posting and whether the posting is active only to build a pool or represents intent to hire immediately. Several board members said they wanted that report by the next meeting so they could reconcile stated policy and public messaging.

Direct quotes
• \"Just because we're posting for them doesn't mean that we're currently hiring for that position.\" — Dr. Avery, interim superintendent.
• \"Posting positions that we have no intention for hiring immediately reflects poorly on the district as an employer.\" — Board member Christine Baptiste Perez.

Ending note: The board directed HR and finance staff to supply a detailed posting and funding inventory and to clarify which positions are exempt from the freeze and why.","Board members and the public pressed district leaders over postings on the hiring site while a districtwide hiring freeze and layoff notices are in effect. Staff said postings are used to build applicant pools and that several categories (special education, ESL, science) were exempted from the freeze.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6358134,"Bridgeport board approves several staffing reductions, eliminates ITS infrastructure manager and asks for forensic audit RFP",715,5957000,6672000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2212801-2454f0394befff3761d0b0294dc098b8&start=5957&end=6672","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2212801-2454f0394befff3761d0b0294dc098b8/thumbnail_5957000.jpg","/articles/6358134/Connecticut/Bridgeport-board-approves-several-staffing-reductions-eliminates-ITS-infrastructure-manager-and-asks-for-forensic-audit-RFP","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6358134-fd53a00bfcc89e8dce912a7011e02108/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155512&Signature=nB~q3HUfrJuQLjGLKXjsz0g-112RpRCcDzcCJWTZfc3uoq2lU9Pg~~dEF82atC2KfFo3Jwnccpx4lEs6sWxTlja~F9pBRJiY6kCT3CE0T6oDEwuHahlSFCFD65dhOGX460jKeHOBNgToGsi2RtXsKsKVdiic7t4zjorAJRbRdMOa~huYRHJncDkzIwu0CIP1xNABlLw7wraHGmqpCihSqDoPTHUQ6MCNQqCmbDQQGS4TjAALNIYjVos1-dNf1ljWdRy0nUpFxhkpm0XKV6zMRYxVHpvo~yLHXDHNeDSwUNTv1U10vrC4YMIS5EukbJZgFDRGxaeHhsURHXEJAnySjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bridgeport Board of Education voted Jan. 13 to approve multiple staffing reductions as part of ongoing budget-gap work, voted to eliminate the ITS district infrastructure operations manager position, and authorized staff to issue a request for proposals for a forensic audit of district financial controls.

Board members approved elimination of the ITS district infrastructure operations manager position in a roll-call vote after brief discussion of the district’s technology footprint and staffing. The motion to remove the post was moved by Joseph Sakalovic and seconded by Willie Medina; the board recorded six yes votes, one no and one abstention. “I don't want to cut any positions,” the ITS director told the board during discussion. “We can always use more staff,” he added, but said the department regained an assistant director and could manage workloads if the position were removed.

The board also approved the package labeled \"Tier 2\" staffing reductions that had been presented to the Finance Committee on Jan. 2. Those cuts included a mix of positions across facilities and ITS, with some maintainer roles designated to be eliminated through attrition rather than immediate layoff. Board members and staff stressed that the full dollar savings for many of the proposed reductions will not be realized immediately because some reductions depend on attrition, contractual recall rights, or timing within the fiscal year.

Separately, trustees voted to issue an RFP for a forensic audit covering internal controls, hiring, purchasing, contract awards and magnet-school activity. The board approved posting the RFP; members discussed funding the work and asked staff to seek cost estimates and potential partners before selecting a vendor. \"Even a small percent of efficiencies is meaningful,\" Finance Committee members said, arguing a targeted outside review could identify operating savings.

Not all proposed reductions were finalized. The board voted to refer the proposed eliminations of the director of athletics, the position in student/SEL affairs, and an executive director for school turnaround to the Instruction and Support Services committee for further vetting. Trustees also tabled the bilingual liaison/business office teacher line so committee members could review operational impacts and transition plans.

Why it matters: The actions are part of the board’s effort to close a large budget gap the district is managing this winter. Board members and the interim superintendent described a mix of immediate and multi-year steps — from staffing changes to capital- and program-level options — to reduce spending while trying to limit classroom disruption.

What the board said: \"We've got our work cut out for us in correcting much of the misinformation being disseminated in the community,\" Finance Committee chair Joseph Sakalovic told the full board in opening remarks on fiscal goals. Interim Superintendent Dr. Avery said the administration will return to committees with more precise savings calculations and follow-up plans.

Next steps: The Finance Committee scheduled additional meetings later in January to refine the budget gap plan and to present more detailed cost-savings estimates; the forensic-audit RFP will be posted and returned proposals reviewed at a subsequent committee meeting. The items referred to Instruction and Support Services will be discussed at that committee's next meeting before the board considers final votes.

Votes at a glance
• Eliminate ITS district infrastructure operations manager — moved by Joseph Sakalovic; seconded by Willie Medina; outcome: approved (6 yes, 1 no, 1 abstain).
• Approve Tier 2 staffing reductions (as presented Jan. 2) — moved by Joseph Sakalovic; seconded by Willie Medina; outcome: approved by majority (roll call).
• Table bilingual liaison/business-office teacher line — motion to table carried; item to be revisited in committee.
• Refer director of athletics, SEL/student affairs position, executive director–turnaround to Instruction & Support Services committee — motion carried; committee to review before board vote.
• Issue RFP for forensic audit of controls/hiring/purchases/contracts/magnet schools — motion carried; staff to solicit proposals and report back on cost and scope.

Ending: Board members said the coming weeks will include more committee work, community forums and efforts to identify revenue and additional savings before the district must adopt a balanced budget later this spring.","The Bridgeport Board of Education on Jan. 13 approved a package of staffing cuts including elimination of an ITS infrastructure operations manager, advanced a second tranche of proposed cuts and voted to issue an RFP for a forensic audit; several related items were referred back to committee or tabled for further review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Superintendent creates special‑education and attendance task forces, highlights high SPED costs and community forums

Board questions hiring-freeze compliance after dozens of job postings amid layoffs

Bridgeport board approves several staffing reductions, eliminates ITS infrastructure manager and asks for forensic audit RFP