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Connecticut Post Logo Hearst Newspapers Logo [Skip to main content](https://www.ctpost.com/news/education/article/bridgeport-schools-budget-ct-save-money-21957318.php#content) [Subscribe](https://www.ctpost.com/hamburgerbutton) [Home](https://offers.hearstmediact.com/ctpost?offerID=12&origin=button.free&variant=wcm.nav.id.134) - [Contact CT Post](https://www.ctpost.com/contact/) - [Advertise with Us](https://hearstmediact.com/) - [Archives](https://hearstmediact.newsbank.com/) - [Newsletters](https://www.ctpost.com/newsletters/) - [FAQ](https://www.ctpost.com/faq/) - [Privacy Notice](https://www.ctpost.com/privacy/) - [Terms of Use](https://www.ctpost.com/terms/) - [Submissions](https://www.ctpost.com/submissions/) [News](https://www.ctpost.com/news/) - [Local](https://www.ctpost.com/local/) - [Health](https://www.ctpost.com/health/) - [Education](https://www.ctpost.com/news/education/) - [Politics](https://www.ctpost.com/politics/) - [Election](https://www.ctpost.com/elections/) [Sports](https://www.ctpost.com/sports/) - [GametimeCT](https://www.ctpost.com/gametimect/) - [UConn](https://www.ctpost.com/uconn/) - [Colleges](https://www.ctpost.com/college/) - [MLB](https://www.ctpost.com/baseball/) - [NFL](https://www.ctpost.com/football/) - [NBA](https://www.ctpost.com/basketball/) - [Hockey](https://www.ctpost.com/hockey/) [Business](https://www.ctpost.com/business/) - [Top Workplaces](https://www.ctpost.com/topworkplaces/) [Entertainment](https://www.ctpost.com/entertainment/) [Real Estate](https://www.ctpost.com/realestate/) [Living](https://www.ctpost.com/living/) - [Food](https://www.ctpost.com/food/) [Opinion](https://www.ctpost.com/opinion/) [Obituaries](https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/ctpost/) [Best Of](https://www.ctpost.com/best/) - [Education](https://www.ctpost.com/best/education/) - [Home Services](https://www.ctpost.com/best/home-services/) - [Legal Services](https://www.ctpost.com/best/legal-services/) - [Senior Living](https://www.ctpost.com/best/senior-living/) - [Entertainment](https://www.ctpost.com/best/entertainment/) - [Food & Drink](https://www.ctpost.com/best/food-drink/) - [Health](https://www.ctpost.com/best/health/) [Comics](https://www.ctpost.com/comics/) [Puzzles](https://www.ctpost.com/puzzles/) [Advertising Features](https://issuu.com/hearstctmediagroup) - [Events](https://www.ctpost.com/events-calendar/) [Jobs](https://www.ctpost.com/jobs/) [Classifieds](http://connecticut.ipublishmarketplace.com/connecticut-marketplace/) [Connecticut Post Logo](https://www.ctpost.com/) [Subscribe](https://www.ctpost.com/hamburgerbutton) [News](https://www.ctpost.com/news/)//[Education](https://www.ctpost.com/news/education/) # Bridgeport school officials working with the state to find ways to save money in the 2026-27 budget By [Jessica Simms](https://www.ctpost.com/author/jessica-simms-simms/), Staff Writer March 8, 2026 ![Interim Superintendent of Bridgeport Public Schools Royce Avery is photographed before the Annual Organizational Meeting of the Board of Education at Harding High School in Bridgeport on December 9, 2024. Bridgeport school officials are looking for ways to save money as it works on budget plans. ]() Interim Superintendent of Bridgeport Public Schools Royce Avery is photographed before the Annual Organizational Meeting of the Board of Education at Harding High School in Bridgeport on December 9, 2024. Bridgeport school officials are looking for ways to save money as it works on budget plans. Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media ![State Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker sits next to Gov. Ned Lamont as she leads a roundtable discussion with Bridgeport school teachers and staff, in Bridgeport, Conn., on Jan. 24, 2025. Bridgeport school officials are looking for ways to save money as it works on budget plans. ]() State Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker sits next to Gov. Ned Lamont as she leads a roundtable discussion with Bridgeport school teachers and staff, in Bridgeport, Conn., on Jan. 24, 2025. Bridgeport school officials are looking for ways to save money as it works on budget plans. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media BRIDGEPORT — Officials in the [Bridgeport](https://www.ctpost.com/news/bridgeport/) Public Schools say they have been searching for ways to reduce costs in the 2026-27 proposed budget, as encouraged by the state Department of Education.  In an update to the state Board of Education, the state Department of Education wrote that [through its intervention efforts into Bridgeport Public Schools](https://www.ctpost.com/news/education/article/ct-education-bridgeport-schools-takeover-deficit-20048754.php), members of its [appointed technical assistance team](https://www.ctpost.com/news/education/article/bridgeport-school-intervention-21028377.php) and [the consulting firm it hired](https://www.ctpost.com/news/education/article/bridgeport-intervention-process-consulting-firm-21124397.php) helped determine ways to save money when it comes to: Advertisement Article continues below this ad - paying for private special education services; - the costs of transporting students in-district during the school day; - relying on contracted services for paraeducators; and - relying on contracted services when the district needs substitutes to fill in when staff members are absent. Through this work, the state Department of Education reported that Bridgeport has already found that it can potentially save \$1 million across these four areas of the budget. The next step is for the mayor to submit his proposed budget to the City Council later this month. More News [Aldi store in Monroe reopens after car crash into building, officials say](https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/monroe-ct-aldi-reopens-crash-22206301.php) [The store reopened on Sunday, an official with the store said.](https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/monroe-ct-aldi-reopens-crash-22206301.php) [![Monroe fire officials say the Aldi on Monroe Turnpike was seriously damaged on Saturday after a car slammed into the building.]()](https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/monroe-ct-aldi-reopens-crash-22206301.php) [SCG crews working to fix Bridgeport gas line rupture, official says](https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/bridgeport-merritt-st-gas-line-rupture-update-22206153.php) [There was no estimated time on when the work would be completed as of Tuesday afternoon.](https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/bridgeport-merritt-st-gas-line-rupture-update-22206153.php) [![Southern Connecticut Gas headquarters at 60 Marsh Hill Road in Orange in a file photo. A Bridgeport official SCG crews are working to fix a gas line rupture in the city. ]()](https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/bridgeport-merritt-st-gas-line-rupture-update-22206153.php) [Bridgeport firefighters knock down 3-alarm fire on East Main St., official says](https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/bridgeport-fire-boston-avenue-east-main-street-22206155.php) [Crews were called to East Main Street near its intersection with Boston Avenue at 12:47 p.m., the official said.](https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/bridgeport-fire-boston-avenue-east-main-street-22206155.php) [![A Bridgeport official said firefighters knocked down a three-alarm fire on East Main Street near Boston Avenue on Tuesday afternoon.]()](https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/bridgeport-fire-boston-avenue-east-main-street-22206155.php) [Seymour police officer accused of misappropriating \$32K in union funds](https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/seymour-police-officer-larceny-arrest-union-funds-22205591.php) [The officer was placed on leave in October after officers noticed discrepancies in the union bank account balances, police said.](https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/seymour-police-officer-larceny-arrest-union-funds-22205591.php) [![Connecticut State Police arrested Seymour police Officer Justin Quilty, of Milford, after he was accused of misappropriating \$32,000 in police union funds. ]()](https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/seymour-police-officer-larceny-arrest-union-funds-22205591.php) [Bridgeport’s iconic smokestack demolition delayed as larger project stalls](https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/bridgeport-smokestack-demolition-delayed-22197786.php) [The developer said the decision to hold off is not in response to public pressure to integrate the well-recognized candy cane stack into any future redevelopment.](https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/bridgeport-smokestack-demolition-delayed-22197786.php) [![The imploded structure of the former Bridgeport Harbor Station power plant in Bridgeport, Conn. Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. The plant's three smoke stacks, including the 500-foot red-and-white striped edifice that is considered by many a local landmark, were left standing and were to be leveled this month.]()](https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/bridgeport-smokestack-demolition-delayed-22197786.php) One way the district can save money is by hiring permanent building substitutes instead of relying on contracted substitute services, officials said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad CT Post Logo ### Want more CT Post? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. [Add Preferred Source](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=ctpost.com) “Every decision that we make as leaders in the district impacts us financially,” [Bridgeport Interim Superintendent Royce Avery](https://www.ctpost.com/news/education/article/bridgeport-board-of-education-superintendent-21248249.php) said at the Wednesday meeting of the Board of Education’s Operations Committee. “And sometimes in an organization like Bridgeport, people may not necessarily feel that. 'Well it’s not my dollar, so I’m OK to relinquish and give it out.' So we got to be really training our people to make sure that is this a necessity.” The state of Connecticut began its [intervention](https://www.ctinsider.com/news/education/article/hartford-bridgeport-schools-state-intervention-faq-21281464.php) into the Bridgeport Public Schools in January 2025 as the district faced an over \$30 million budget deficit that froze spending and eliminated dozens of jobs. The state commissioned a forensic audit last year into the district's spending and money management between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2025. [The Shelton-based accounting firm CliftonLarsonAllen, which conducted the audit,](https://www.ctpost.com/news/education/article/ct-audit-bridgeport-schools-20784554.php) came up with 34 recommendations for the district. Advertisement Article continues below this ad “Within those 34 recommendations, they’re not just one thing: they’re deep things for efficiency and programmatic pieces, looking at ways that we can reduce cost,” Avery said at the committee meeting. Other ways the district is looking to save money is by having fewer special education students use private services. According to the state Department of Education’s update, “the district has identified students who are graduating or will be returning to the district resulting in cost savings.” Plus, Avery's staff is visiting sites where Bridgeport special education students receive private services to make sure the programming is effective, according to the update. The visits must be completed by April 1. The district is also planning a better process “for staff to more efficiently request paraprofessionals,” the update said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad All of this is work is underway during the district’s budget season. The Board of Education has approved a proposed 2026-27 operating budget that would be [a \$106 million increase](https://www.ctpost.com/news/education/article/bridgeport-board-education-budget-106-million-plan-21344799.php) over the current year’s spending plan. The school board is seeking to restore staffing and programming that the district cut in previous years. The budget process started shortly after Thanksgiving, [Avery said in January](https://www.ctpost.com/news/education/article/bridgeport-schools-budget-presentation-21298654.php). He said the district was “a little behind on the game” as it should have started as early as September or October. Deputy Commissioner of Education for Academics and Innovation Charles Hewes said at the state Board of Education’s Wednesday meeting that the school board asked for an increase in next year’s operating budget but said it’s still good for Bridgeport to find ways to reduce costs. “We wanted to make sure that in light of a very short and a late start to their budget process that we were continuing the work in district of looking at all efficiencies,” he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Some Bridgeport of Education members are concerned about any reductions to the budget. “There is no low-hanging fruit” for the district to cut, Vice Chair Joseph Sokolovic said. “Every cut hurts. … In a district with no librarian, without a single librarian, where do we cut?” he said. The district is being strategic and “looking under every single rock” to find areas for savings, Avery said, which will be helpful if cuts are needed. He referenced how the budget will also be impacted by the amount the district gets through the [state’s Education Cost Sharing grant.](https://www.ctpost.com/news/education/article/bridgeport-students-ct-education-funding-21941203.php) Advertisement Article continues below this ad The ECS grant is Connecticut’s primary form of state funding for K-12 education, with money distributed to cities and towns based on a formula that gives more aid to poorer districts so they can provide equal educational opportunities to their students. [Many districts, including Bridgeport,](https://www.ctinsider.com/news/education/article/ct-education-funding-students-legislation-21952568.php) have been advocating at the Capitol in Hartford to increase the funding amount, which has not changed since 2013. “Our job is to figure out do we need these services? Do we need these programs? Do we need these additional staff?” Avery said, adding that the work with the state has been “intensive.” March 8, 2026 ![Photo of Jessica Simms]() [Jessica Simms](https://www.ctpost.com/author/jessica-simms-simms/) Education reporter Jessica Simms is an education reporter with Hearst Connecticut Media Group. She attended Quinnipiac University, where she received both her BA and MS in Journalism. Jessica has previously was an investigative reporting fellow with the News21 program at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism in the summer of 2021. When she’s not writing, Jess enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading fiction and catching up on popular TV. Most Popular 1\. [Bridgeport councilman’s ticket complaint exposes improper parking pass use](https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/bridgeport-councilman-parking-ticket-pass-misuse-22195973.php) 2\. 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![Interim Superintendent of Bridgeport Public Schools Royce Avery is photographed before the Annual Organizational Meeting of the Board of Education at Harding High School in Bridgeport on December 9, 2024. Bridgeport school officials are looking for ways to save money as it works on budget plans. ]() Interim Superintendent of Bridgeport Public Schools Royce Avery is photographed before the Annual Organizational Meeting of the Board of Education at Harding High School in Bridgeport on December 9, 2024. Bridgeport school officials are looking for ways to save money as it works on budget plans. Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media BRIDGEPORT — Officials in the [Bridgeport](https://www.ctpost.com/news/bridgeport/) Public Schools say they have been searching for ways to reduce costs in the 2026-27 proposed budget, as encouraged by the state Department of Education. In an update to the state Board of Education, the state Department of Education wrote that [through its intervention efforts into Bridgeport Public Schools](https://www.ctpost.com/news/education/article/ct-education-bridgeport-schools-takeover-deficit-20048754.php), members of its [appointed technical assistance team](https://www.ctpost.com/news/education/article/bridgeport-school-intervention-21028377.php) and [the consulting firm it hired](https://www.ctpost.com/news/education/article/bridgeport-intervention-process-consulting-firm-21124397.php) helped determine ways to save money when it comes to: Article continues below this ad - paying for private special education services; - the costs of transporting students in-district during the school day; - relying on contracted services for paraeducators; and - relying on contracted services when the district needs substitutes to fill in when staff members are absent. Through this work, the state Department of Education reported that Bridgeport has already found that it can potentially save \$1 million across these four areas of the budget. The next step is for the mayor to submit his proposed budget to the City Council later this month. More News One way the district can save money is by hiring permanent building substitutes instead of relying on contracted substitute services, officials said. Article continues below this ad CT Post Logo Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. [Add Preferred Source](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=ctpost.com) “Every decision that we make as leaders in the district impacts us financially,” [Bridgeport Interim Superintendent Royce Avery](https://www.ctpost.com/news/education/article/bridgeport-board-of-education-superintendent-21248249.php) said at the Wednesday meeting of the Board of Education’s Operations Committee. “And sometimes in an organization like Bridgeport, people may not necessarily feel that. 'Well it’s not my dollar, so I’m OK to relinquish and give it out.' So we got to be really training our people to make sure that is this a necessity.” The state of Connecticut began its [intervention](https://www.ctinsider.com/news/education/article/hartford-bridgeport-schools-state-intervention-faq-21281464.php) into the Bridgeport Public Schools in January 2025 as the district faced an over \$30 million budget deficit that froze spending and eliminated dozens of jobs. The state commissioned a forensic audit last year into the district's spending and money management between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2025. [The Shelton-based accounting firm CliftonLarsonAllen, which conducted the audit,](https://www.ctpost.com/news/education/article/ct-audit-bridgeport-schools-20784554.php) came up with 34 recommendations for the district. Article continues below this ad “Within those 34 recommendations, they’re not just one thing: they’re deep things for efficiency and programmatic pieces, looking at ways that we can reduce cost,” Avery said at the committee meeting. Other ways the district is looking to save money is by having fewer special education students use private services. According to the state Department of Education’s update, “the district has identified students who are graduating or will be returning to the district resulting in cost savings.” Plus, Avery's staff is visiting sites where Bridgeport special education students receive private services to make sure the programming is effective, according to the update. The visits must be completed by April 1. The district is also planning a better process “for staff to more efficiently request paraprofessionals,” the update said. Article continues below this ad All of this is work is underway during the district’s budget season. The Board of Education has approved a proposed 2026-27 operating budget that would be [a \$106 million increase](https://www.ctpost.com/news/education/article/bridgeport-board-education-budget-106-million-plan-21344799.php) over the current year’s spending plan. The school board is seeking to restore staffing and programming that the district cut in previous years. The budget process started shortly after Thanksgiving, [Avery said in January](https://www.ctpost.com/news/education/article/bridgeport-schools-budget-presentation-21298654.php). He said the district was “a little behind on the game” as it should have started as early as September or October. Deputy Commissioner of Education for Academics and Innovation Charles Hewes said at the state Board of Education’s Wednesday meeting that the school board asked for an increase in next year’s operating budget but said it’s still good for Bridgeport to find ways to reduce costs. “We wanted to make sure that in light of a very short and a late start to their budget process that we were continuing the work in district of looking at all efficiencies,” he said. Article continues below this ad Some Bridgeport of Education members are concerned about any reductions to the budget. “There is no low-hanging fruit” for the district to cut, Vice Chair Joseph Sokolovic said. “Every cut hurts. … In a district with no librarian, without a single librarian, where do we cut?” he said. The district is being strategic and “looking under every single rock” to find areas for savings, Avery said, which will be helpful if cuts are needed. He referenced how the budget will also be impacted by the amount the district gets through the [state’s Education Cost Sharing grant.](https://www.ctpost.com/news/education/article/bridgeport-students-ct-education-funding-21941203.php) Article continues below this ad The ECS grant is Connecticut’s primary form of state funding for K-12 education, with money distributed to cities and towns based on a formula that gives more aid to poorer districts so they can provide equal educational opportunities to their students. [Many districts, including Bridgeport,](https://www.ctinsider.com/news/education/article/ct-education-funding-students-legislation-21952568.php) have been advocating at the Capitol in Hartford to increase the funding amount, which has not changed since 2013. “Our job is to figure out do we need these services? Do we need these programs? Do we need these additional staff?” Avery said, adding that the work with the state has been “intensive.” March 8, 2026 ![Photo of Jessica Simms]() Education reporter Jessica Simms is an education reporter with Hearst Connecticut Media Group. She attended Quinnipiac University, where she received both her BA and MS in Journalism. Jessica has previously was an investigative reporting fellow with the News21 program at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism in the summer of 2021. When she’s not writing, Jess enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading fiction and catching up on popular TV.