001One of the qualities frequently highlighted by stakeholders is is Dr. Avery's commitment to meaningful engagement. He has made it a priority to include educators, families, community partners, and students in conversations about the district's direction. This inclusive leadership style has helped rebuild trust and create a sense of shared purpose. Equally important is Dr. Avery's clear dedication to placing students at the forefront of every decision, whether addressing academic priorities, school climate, or operational challenges. He consistently centers the well-being and success of Bridgeport's children. Many in the community believe this students-first mindset is essential for long-term progress. Bridgeport Public Schools has experienced high leadership turnover, cycling through at least six permanent and three interim superintendents in the last 10 years. This level of instability has understandably congregated concern among family, staff, and community partners. The district urgently needs
002consistent, reliable leadership to maintain momentum and support the work happening in our schools. During his tenure, many stakeholders feel that the continuing with Dr. Avery as a permanent superintendent would provide the stability and continuing the district's needs. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the board to give full consideration to appointing Dr. Avery as the permanent superintendent. His inclusive leadership, student student-centered focus, and the stability he brings to the district are the qualities that many believe will benefit Bridgeport Public Schools at this critical moment. Thank you for your time, your service, and your commitment to the future of our students. Respectfully, John Torres. Thank you. Uh Marc Chiller. Good evening, everyone. It's been a while since I've been here. It's interesting. Um as you know, I have been involved in education of Bridgeport for many, many
003years. I was the director of the Bridgeport Public Education for over 30 years. My husband taught in these schools, and our daughter graduated from Central High School. I have seen everything involving superintendents over all these years. I have seen great superintendents. I have seen great leadership and great educational practices through the years. I've also seen chaos, no political support, harassment from the city and the Board of Ed, and I've seen people fired. Right now, we have an interim superintendent who had already been in the district as an administrator. He is respected by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and the public. He supports and welcomes the help of all our nonprofit partners, and he makes sure that they are included in the presentations to the cities. He reaches out to them for support, and we all willingly
004give him the support he needs. To my understanding, he wants to stay and would like to have a two-year contract. I don't understand why that isn't happening. You can't possibly be considering a search, which would only cause more chaos and a total disrespect for the actions of this board. I've also heard from people outside Bridgeport that Dr. Avery is being recruited by other districts. I'm not surprised. His reputation precedes him. They know he's a keeper and that he can help their district. Don't let that happen. Please, do the right thing now. It's been a pleasure working with you, and I hope we can continue our partnership. Thank you. Thank you. Edith Boyle. >> [clears throat] >> Good evening. Chair and board members, my name is Edith Boyle. I'm president and CEO of LifeBridge Community Services
005here in Bridgeport. I'm here tonight to express my strong support of Dr. Avery's appointment as superintendent. At LifeBridge, we partner with Bridgeport Public Schools every day, supporting students facing significant challenges. Under Dr. Avery's leadership, we've seen a clear understanding that student success requires more than academics. It requires stability. It requires trust, and it requires leadership that recognizes the connection between well-being, behavior, and learning. Dr. Avery understands that. Through our partnership across three high schools, we've seen what's possible when that kind of leadership is in place. The Harding Plus Alternative Education Program and our multi-tiered system of support have reduced behavioral incidents and helped students re-engage in school in a more positive way. That doesn't happen by accident. It reflects leadership that's collaborative, open, and willing to approach challenges differently. Dr. Avery has been a true
006partner. He listens, he engages, and he brings people to the table across systems, education, behavioral health, and community, because he understands that no single system can do this alone. Bridgeport is at an important moment. Consistency in leadership matters, momentum matters, and trust matters. From where I sit, Dr. Avery has already begun to build that. I encourage the board to move forward in a way that prioritizes stability, partnership, and a whole-child approach to education. Thank you for your time and your commitment to Bridgeport students and Thank you. Just acknowledge Mr. Daniels has joined online. Um next up, we have Khaled Eliafi. >> [clears throat] >> Uh good afternoon, everyone. Uh dear members of the Bridgeport Board of Education and superintendent. My name is Khaled Eliafi, and I am the president of the Bridgeport Islamic Community Center,
007703 State Street. Um >> [clears throat] >> The center serves uh with Masjid An-Noor in Clinton Avenue more than 2,000 families across greater Bridgeport, including over 500 families within the city of Bridgeport. Uh Muslims observe two major holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. These are deeply significant occasions celebrated by nearly 2 billion Muslims worldwide. For our children, these are not simply cultural events, they are sacred days of prayer, family, and community. Uh first, I would like to sincerely thank the Board of Education for its thoughtful decision to recognize Eid al-Fitr as a school holiday. That was in 2022. That decision sent a powerful message of inclusion, respect, and belonging to our students and families. Today, I respectfully urge the board to take the next important step to also recognize Eid al-Adha as a school holiday
008whenever it falls on a school day. To support this request, I'm sharing a 15-year projection of Eid days from 2026 to 20 2040. The data clearly and I have the calendar if I can just share it with you. Mustafa can share it. The data clearly shows that the impact on the academic calendar is minimal. So, it's 15 years, this is 30 occasions. So, out of these 30 occasions, there are 10 of them that fall on a weekends or an existing break. So, we are done with 10 of them. Eid al-Fitr is already, as I mentioned, recognized in 2022, and these are nine instances. So, we are left with 11 instances of Eid al-Adha that would require consideration over 15 years. In these What is the impact of this? There is one year none of these
009two comes in a school day, which I which comes in the weekend. There are eight years would include just one of the two, and there are six academic years out of the 15 that will include two holidays that are not coming on a weekend. So, this demonstrates that adding Eid al-Adha would not significantly disrupt the school calendar. It's six out of 15 where you have two days. Yet, it would have a profound impact on equity and inclusion. Recognizing both Eids ensure that Muslim students are not forced to choose between their education and their faith, which is a very tough choice. It's not culture, it's faith. It affirms that they are valued members of this community whose identities are respected. This is a small adjustment with a meaningful and lasting impact. I respectfully ask your support
010in making Bridgeport schools more inclusive by recognizing Eid al-Adha alongside Eid al-Fitr. Thank you for your time, consideration, and continued commitment to all our students in our community. Thank you. Thank you. James Torres. Good evening, Madam Chair, uh superintendent, board members here and on Zoom. Uh my name is James Torres, retired security officer for a school district for uh city of Bridgeport. Uh I'm here to support Dr. Avery. I just want to go off some bullet points that I found online on Facebook that uh Dr. Avery has been stirring the ship and is welcome to apply. Well, ladies and gentlemen, he don't need it to apply. You guys make the final decision. You see what he's done. You see what he can accomplish. You see the support that he has here. And let's let's move
011forward on his appointment. Second, as again, it's um still um getting his position. You go go into executive session and make that decision tonight. But I want to end my meeting like I always do in front of this board. This right here, ladies and gentlemen, this is a mirror. So every morning, the board members, when you wake up and you look in the mirror and you make that final decision, make sure you make it the right choice for the kids of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Thank you very much. We will support the superintendent here and with the governor of Connecticut. Thank you very much and God bless. Thank you. Mr. Nelson, Stephen Nelson. Hello, board, members of the community. Uh my name's Steve Nelson. I am a retired school police officer from this Board of Education, 35
012years. Coached numerous sports in the Board of Ed. Very involved in the communities. Currently serving as one of the elected city sheriffs here in Bridgeport. I didn't know this was a support Dr. Avery meeting tonight. And I'm not going to, you know, my mother taught us growing up here in Bridgeport that if you're not going to say nothing good, don't say nothing at all. And I'm not going to say nothing bad about Mr. Avery. >> [snorts] >> I think he is really trying to get a handle on the negatives here in Bridgeport. But we got we got some We still got issues, brother. We got issues that need to be cleaned up because everything can't be a yay, yay, everything's going good conversation. You know, I'm I'm very upset first of all, with how we're
013running our adult education program. And I had the opportunity to meet with the new hired director uh when I went to represent one of my students when I was a school resource officer who under my program, we helped her go to college. She is one of your city [snorts] guidance counselors here in Bridgeport, 13 years at uh Fairechild Wheeler. Very good girl, come from a troubled past, made her way through high school, made her way through college, only to be, you know, a little bit disrespected by our um our adult ed person. And there's there's there's more. Eight employees were fired under her leadership. Eight. These are teachers who Cheryl shoulders, longtime respected teacher in Bridgeport, Dunbar School. Some of y'all know who she is. Um Stacey Bennett, Jim Gilday, prominent Bridgeport people who work
014in our system. There's eight. I'm not going to go through the list. But the reason why I'm making a point of it is it appears that we're running some kind of Gestapo around here. Now, I know Donald Trump was when he became the president, he was running around talking about DEI and you can't hire minorities and all this stuff, but this behavior, when you when you get rid of you embarrass our homegrown people and you tell them that they're not good enough to work under a system, I question where her urban experience is because when I go out in the community, I am retired police, but now I do advocacy. I do violence prevention out in the community trying to help kids put their differences down and go back to school and get a degree.
015But it and get a high at least a high school diploma. But if you alienate these kids when they come to the door looking for help, then that puts them out in the street and our neighborhoods and that makes our crime rate goes go up and that especially when you have people that are in these positions that are not uh um for a better term, they're not understanding of some of the challenges that our community face. We got problems when that happens in the city, Dr. Avery. And I again, I'm not saying you're not doing a good job. I dare to say that. I've had the opportunity to see you do some of the things you do. And you still got to pass my, you know, for my personal support, we got some things that
016we got to work on and we have promised to have this meeting with each other and I hopefully we follow up and do that. But I'm saying this cuz I'm concerned. And I come from the north end of Bridgeport. >> Mr. Nelson, we got to wrap it up. Mr. I'm going to be quick. I come from the north end of Bridgeport. I represent a lot of people in my district. It's not just black, it's not just Spanish, but the majority of them are. And the majority of the kids that go to school in this city are what? Minorities. So we need to have some people that look like our kids that are that understand what they're going through and and want to help them. Now, I had three or four things to say tonight, but
017I know I'm on a time constraint, so I'm going to walk over here, but I hope that you and I can have this sit-down soon because I have a couple of more concerns that I'm a little upset about. Lastly, I asked I I'm a member of the ad hoc committee. Mr. Nelson. >> So I'm [snorts] going to be quick. I asked Mr. Trevor, who's the personnel committee chairman? And he told me there is no personnel committee. Is that fact or The personnel committee is a committee of the whole. So the board is the person the board is a personnel. We have to end it here. Mr. >> He told me the operational committee. Is that I can We can touch base off because your time is up. We do have personnel committee. You do have
018personnel. It's not on this. Is that Okay, so so that's one of my problems. >> to you off because That's one of my problems. You guys confuse We have a committee of the whole. It's not a it's not a regularly scheduled committee. Those are committees that are scheduled. I can't go back and forth with you right now, but we're going to go to the next one. We'll have somebody talk to you from the if you can get somebody to fill them in. Mr. Resto Omar Resto. There's a few Restos tonight. >> [laughter] >> Hi, good good after uh good evening, guys. My name is Omar Resto. I'm a father of two children in the public school. And I've worked in this district for 24 years. I'm [clears throat] here today to speak about the superintendent
019search. Not just for my kids, but for all the kids in Bridgeport. I've had the unique perspective of seeing the district from inside and outside. Over the years, I've witnessed a lot of exceptional instability. But even after the losses our district faced last year, Dr. Avery has stepped up and brought a sense of stability that we desperately needed. My children, currently in fourth and fifth grade, are already their fourth superintendent with the possibility of a fifth superintendent. From a parent's perspective, that's simply not acceptable. Let me briefly walk you through what that instability looks like for my family. The first superintendent resigned in September at the beginning of the school year. The second superintendent served as an interim limited as what they can do. The third superintendent was paid to leave after public protest followed
020by financial collapse. That cost us valuable board valuable time for our kids in school. Now, we have Dr. Avery who has served as interim for so long that I don't even know how long it's been. Dr. Avery hasn't just filled the role, he's led. As both a parent and an employee here, what I've seen is open public forums with real dialogue, collaboration with the city council to improve funding and facilities, expansions of sports and academics programs, positive feedbacks from staff and administration, >> [clears throat] >> and and progress in addressing long-standing systemic issues and underperforming schools beginning to improve. And I know there's more that I'm not even listing. That's why I believe Dr. Avery is the right person to continue leading the this district. To the board, we need to have more forums with
021the public about these issues. And as just as a person, I just want you to know I've given 100% of myself to this district even though this district has not given back. And I truly believe Dr. Avery is helping us get to some sense of some normalcy for us and our kids. Thank you. Jess Resto. Um Good evening, everyone. Jess Resto. I'm here tonight as a parent who keeps showing up because what happens in this room doesn't stay in this room. It shows up in our schools, in our classrooms, in our children's lives. I've spoken about accountability and the impact of instability, about what happens when leadership, >> [clears throat and cough] >> excuse me, is inconsistent or disconnected, and I stand by that because I didn't just watched it, I lived it for so
022long with many other families. But tonight, this is really about you, the board. Because at some point, we have to stop repeating the same cycle. Right now, there's progress happening in the district, not perfection, but progress. There's more stability than we've seen in a long time. There's more movement in academics, real investment in critical areas like special education, and a stronger effort to engage with families and the school communities, and none of that happened by accident. It happened because there's finally been consistency, focus, and people doing the work the right way. The question isn't whether every Sorry. The question isn't whether everything is fixed. The question is whether you recognize progress when it's right in front of you, and what you choose to do with it. Because your decisions determine whether the district moves forward
023or gets pulled backwards again. Dr. Avery spoke about being trust being built one marble at a time. As a parent, that stayed with me because that is exactly what this year has felt like. There is direction right now. There is a steadiness that hasn't been here in a long time. Trust is being rebuilt marble by marble. Slow, intentional progress, trust being built in a way that people can actually feel. And I also want to acknowledge um that Dr. Avery has led every has had every reason to walk away in a district like this with the level of pressure, and at times the level of disrespect that has been shown. It would have been easy to leave, but he didn't. He chose to stay. He chose to do the work, and through that, he has shown
024that he wants to be here for this district and our kids. He has done the that with the level of grace and professionalism that this district needed. But this movement is bigger than one person. It comes back to all of you because every time there's a disruption, every time there's a reset, it's our kids that absorb the impact. They're the ones that have to readjust. They're the ones who have to fall They're the ones that fall through the cracks. They're the ones who pay for your adult decisions. So, I'm asking you to be clear about your role this time. If there is progress, support it. If there's stability, protect it. If there's leadership moving this district forward, don't interrupt it. That means supporting Dr. Avery as superintendent, not just in words, but in actions. Because
025consistency matters, and right now, the responsibility for the consistency sits with you. Our kids don't need another restart. They need you to finally get something right. Thank you. Next, we have Marwan Majeed. Good evening, chairperson, members of the board, everyone present. Um Unlike everyone here, I'm new to the Bridgeport community here. Um I recently moved from St. Louis, Missouri. My name is Marwan Majeed, and I'm honored to stand before you today on behalf of many families in the Bridgeport Muslim community. Uh I would like to join the voices before me to support uh Dr. Avery's permanent appointment as superintendent. And I want to begin by thanking you for your time, your service, and your commitment to all of our children. We recognize the responsibility you carry, and we appreciate the work you you do every
026day to support education in our city. I'm here today to respectfully ask you to for the approval of adding Eid al-Adha to the official school holiday calendar. For Muslim families, Eid al-Adha is one of the most important days of the year. It is not simply a cultural celebration. It is deeply meaningful religious obligation. On this day, families gather for prayer in the morning, spending time together, and teach their children values of values of compassion, charity, and community. Currently Currently, many Muslim students in Bridgeport are forced to make a difficult choice, either miss a school and fall behind academically, or attend a school and miss one of the most important religious observances of their lives. This is not a choice any child should have to make. Recognizing Eid al-Adha as a school holiday would send a
027powerful message that every child in Bridgeport is seen, respected, and valued. It would affirm that our school system reflects the diversity of the community it serves. We are not asking for something extraordinary. We are asking for inclusion. Uh many school districts across the country have already taken this step, recognizing that when students feel respected in their identity, they are more engaged, more confident, and more successful. Bridgeport is a diverse and vibrant city. Our strength lies in the diversity. By acknowledging Eid al-Adha, you are not only supporting Muslim families. You are strengthening the sense of unity and belonging for all students. As a parent and a member of this community, I want my child and every child to feel proud of who they are, and to know that their school respects their faith and their values.
028And I thank you. Angel Resto. I time limit Mr. Ramos. Is that okay? I time limit him. All right. Good evening, everyone. How's everybody doing? You can talk. Fight. I don't want I don't want to fight. I don't want to Get him up your foot. All right. Uh my name is John Ramos. For those who don't know me, I'm John Ramos the second, proud principal of Interdistrict Discovery Magnet School here in Bridgeport, Connecticut. And um just came to speak on behalf of Superintendent Avery. Um He hasn't been an interim in my mind. He moves like a superintendent. Uh to handle what he's handled in the time that he's been in the role, you have to be a superintendent, right? Um and that's how he's moved, and that's how he's carried himself. There's a moral obligation
029to this work. Uh I think everybody understands that. We work with children. Um we have to give them our very best. And students need stability. Lori Corrado. Lori's with me as well. She's part of Discovery family. Um And again, we'll be able to just speak a little bit from a first-hand experience of working with Superintendent Avery. Um again, students need stability. Transitional years are the years that students struggle most, right? That that year going into either middle school or going into high school. Those are those years that you really need to catch students and making sure that they get the support that they need. But people don't understand that when there's a change in superintendent, that's a transition as well, right? And um that's a transition that affects everyone. Uh and you know, as much
030as we don't want to admit it, adults and students are very similar. Um and we struggle with transitions as well. Uh so, to think a district like ours that's been through what our district has been through over the past couple of years, to think about another transition is extremely difficult, especially considering the fact that things are really feel like they're moving in the right direction. Um When Superintendent Avery took over uh his role as interim, um the morale, the student and staff morale was extremely low. Um I had a you know, I used to be a school counselor. Just so people understand my background. I was a school counselor at Harding, Dunbar, Woolsey Cross all becoming before becoming an administrator. And um you know, I was able to have uh restorative circles with staff where
031staff cried about what they were experiencing in that moment in the beginning of last school year. Um so, to have that transition to where my staff is now, which is happy, feeling stable, not that uh you know, that feeling like the ground is going to fall out from under them at any moment. Um that's a great feeling. And that's how you build, right? Brick by brick. You know, again, things are not perfect yet. Do I believe they can be? Absolutely. You know, at Discovery, we say we say excellence is the standard, and we tell our students it's not that you're not going to make mistakes. It's not that things aren't going to be perfect, but we bring excellent effort into everything that we do. And that's what I see from our leader. Um positive energy,
032morale comes from the top down. We all feel it. And it's something that's really transitioned under Dr. Avery. If I can make one last statement, I I I think my time is up or something like that. I think that's how that works. Um Dr. Avery also shows up. He shows up. Um When when we have events, if I I extend the invitation to Dr. Avery, he'll be there. We had a significant loss in our school community, a student who passed away. We had a special event to celebrate him. Dr. Avery was front and center at that event, and didn't have to be. There's a million other things that he could have been doing in that at that moment. Um he's also willing to have difficult conversations uh and face tough things head-on. That's not a
033talent that everyone has, right? Um the willing to willingness to be humble enough to come to the conversation knowing that they don't know everything, willing to change their opinion based on new information. That's what Dr. Avery brings to the table, and that's why he's our superintendent. Thank you. Jeffrey Schwartz. Uh good evening, Board of Ed members. My name is Jeffrey Schwartz. I'm here as a member of the Jewish community of Bridgeport and a leader with Connect Congregations organized for a new Connect Connecticut to speak in favor of adding Eid al-Adha to the school calendar. As a lifelong educator and a parent, as well as an active member of B'nai Israel in Bridgeport, I'm well aware of how important it is for children to learn about different religious traditions. It broadens our points of view and
034increases open-mindedness in a world that is too often divided by bias. Bridgeport already shows respect to Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions by including days off school for Good Friday and Christmas, as well as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. School also closes for the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr. I'm here to join with other faith leaders to urge the Board of Education to honor the sacred day of Eid al-Adha and add it to the school calendar. Respecting religious traditions not only benefits the children who observe Eid al-Adha al-Adha, but it will teach others about a holiday that they may not know about. Honoring diverse religions sends the message to all of Bridgeport that everyone is welcome here. It's an important step toward building a world of peace and inclusion, something that we all want for our
035children. Thank you. Faith Viegas. You can start it when I say your name. Okay. I'll only need a minute, but um thank you. My name is Faith Viegas, executive director of the Bridgeport Public Education Fund. And yes, you heard that earlier from one of the first speakers, but um I'm here again representing not only that organization, but here as a parent and a community leader. And one of the things that I would like to address not just our esteemed board, our leader Dr. Avery, but also every parent and child in the room. Um I would like to echo the sentiments of everyone who spoke before me, not just about the support for Dr. Avery, but also with respect to religious equity and inclusion, right? Because it really does all matter. But um I really want
036to center this around the youngest person that I see in the room. So, as I was sitting in the back and I'm watching everyone in the room, only person I really thought about was her. And I encourage everyone in this room, as we are making decisions about today, but also the future, we look at that child who is in uterus or in neutral, excuse me, but also who is transitioning through a system that is meant to support, to teach, to educate, to love and care for her or him. So, as we all move forward as a collective Board of Education, as community members, as community partners, I want to encourage us to do our best to put our students' needs first. And if that means sometimes voting for things that we may not want to,
037give it consideration. If it means giving our full support behind something we are firmly planted in believing, let's do that as well. But the biggest key to all of that to me will be about accountability, right? How are we holding each other accountable to make sure our young lady here is either sitting in one of those seats over there or has even taken my job. So, today, tonight, I ask that our Board of Education, I ask that all of our community partners really give strong consideration to how do we center our students, how do we show up, how do we support, and how do we lead with students at the center. So, again, I ask all of us um I think we we had a mirror exercise here, but I'd rather have a reflective exercise.
038Cuz we were once that age as well. And we understood what we needed as young people. We may not have been able to articulate it or speak it in adult terms, but in your homes, you want stability. In your jobs, you want stability and growth, right? Our babies need the exact same thing. So, as you go about your business, I ask that you please be inclusive and continue to center our youth because that is whose voices should always rise to the top. Thank you, and I have some invitations for the 32nd Inspiration Award, May 6th, 2026, 3:30 p.m. Trumbull Marriott. Uh you can find QR codes inside of these invitations. Again, thank you for your support. Thank you. Mustafa Hassan. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Uh my name is Mustafa Hassan. I serve as the
039Teacher Residency Program Coordinator at the University of Bridgeport. Um today uh I'm here today uh to respectfully express my support to including Eid al-Adha as an official public school holiday. I speak not only as an educator, but also as a husband and a father of three children. One is currently is currently attending a public still attending a public school, and two pursuing higher education. My wife is also an educator, a certified elementary school teacher. Education is not just our profession, it is the foundation of our families' st- life. Through our collective experiences, we have seen firsthand how misunderstanding, stereotypes, lack of awareness about Islam and Muslims can negatively impact students and educators alike. I would like to briefly share an experience involving my wife. As the only Muslim teacher at her school, students were often
040curious about what she wears, the head cover, the hijab. She always welcomed their questions and used this and used them as teaching moments. However, one day a student attempted to mock her by forcefully opening her classroom door, throwing a bag, and shouting Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar is a great word, means God is great, but see how the media portrayed it and how the people how stereotyping and misunderstanding turn it into something that people would scare of. Well, this happened while she was teaching in the classroom. Thankfully, a colleague of her intervened, and the school administration handled the situation appropriately. While the while the incident was difficult, my wife chose to respond as both an educator, a role model, and a Muslim forgiver. She recognized that the student's behavior came from a place of misunderstanding, often
041shaped by negative media portrayals. Instead of responding with anger, she chose education. She later asked for and was granted permission to present a lesson on Islam, Muslims, and their contributions to the world history and the world science. Moments like this highlight a deeper issue. Many students lack basic awareness of their peers, cultures, and traditions. Recognizing and including Eid, like Eid al-Adha, in a school calendar would be a meaningful step towards fostering understanding, respect, and inclusion. It would send a clear message to Muslim students that their identities and traditions are valued just as others are. When schools acknowledge uh diverse traditions, they help reduce ignorance and create space for empathy and belonging. our students should grow up understanding that that different cultures and faith are part of shared human story. By recognizing Eid al-Adha, we take
042a simple but powerful step towards that goal. I respectively urge you to support this efforts to create a more inclusive, informed, and respectful educational environment for all students. Thank you so much. Thank you. Emma Alamo. Good morning, I mean good afternoon or evening, board members. I'm honored to stand before you today to speak about someone who Oh, you can't hear. Okay. I'm honored to stand before you to speak about someone who has made a meaningful and lasting impact in our school community and in my home. Dr. Avery is not just a leader in title, but a leader in action. Time and time again, he has demonstrated what it truly means to be committed to students, families, and the future of their education. His dedication goes far beyond the office walls. He shows up. He listens,
043and most importantly, he cares. One of the most powerful examples of this commitment is something many of us have seen firsthand. Dr. Avery visits our children in their classrooms. Those moments matter. When a leader takes the time to step into a classroom to engage with students where they learn and grow every day, it sends a clear message. Our children matter. Their voices matter. Their education matters. But Dr. Avery's impact doesn't stop there. He understands that real change requires more than effort within our schools. It requires advocacy beyond them. He has encouraged all of us, parents, families, and community members to raise our voices at the state capitol, to stand up for better opportunities, better resources, and stronger futures for our children. That kind of leader is rare. It's one thing to care, it's another to
044empower others to act. Because of Dr. Avery, we are reminded that we are not just observers in our children's education, we are partners, we are advocates, and together we have the power to influence decisions and shape their future. It is up to you, board members, to decide our kids' future. You had your turn, you had your education. I had my turn, I had my education. I had great teachers here in the city of Bridgeport. Teachers like this Jewish educator who empowered us to be great, to be better. We had so many Jewish teachers growing up that made me who I am, a nurse practitioner. A person that came from Puerto Rico with nothing. We didn't even have doorknobs. We had freaking chicken wire to hold our doors together at night. And I came here and
045they welcomed us, and they gave us the best education we can have. And now it is up to you to decide my kids' future. My kids' future that if it wasn't for Dr. Avery, they would still be behind on on their special education services like speech. He stepped in when no one else would. And it's time for you guys to step in. It's time for you guys to do the right thing for our kids. Thank you. Yeah. And last but not least, Amina Lawani. Holiday please. Um good evening. Um hello, my name is Amina Lawani. I'm in the 10th grade and I attend Capital Prep Harbor School here in Bridgeport. I'm here today to talk about Eid al-Adha. Last year, Eid al-Adha took place on June 6th on a Friday. Coincidentally, that day also happened
046to be field day at my school. It is a day me and my brothers enjoy because it's filled with laughter, no school work, and we get better school lunch. So, instead of spending time with family, we went back to school after morning prayer. Why am I telling you guys all of this? Other holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Good Friday are acknowledged by schools and students. Acknowledged by schools, students get to stay home to celebrate with families and not worry about school. Having Eid al-Adha recognized as a holiday will let students like me not have to choose between school or celebrating with family. Students would not have to go back to school after morning prayer to attend field day, take a major test, or even just or even just a normal school day, which is bound
047to lower grades and GPAs, which for somebody like me who's in the National Honor Society at my school will greatly affect my will greatly affect my grade and my overall high school year as someone with big goals. Having Eid al-Adha as a holiday would also allow us to celebrate Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son to obey Allah, who then intervened and sent a sheep to be sacrificed in his son's stead. Eid al-Adha is a day of worship, a day to celebrate, and a day to give to the needy. Not only would this allow students to connect more with their identity, it'll teach other students who aren't aware about Islam more about Islam and will spread joy throughout. Thank you for letting me speak and have a good good rest of your day. Thank you
048for those who came out to speak. Um the next item is uh my report um All right. So, the only update I have from the uh Board of Education's progress um since the last meeting is we did receive um a letter back from the state um uh the state the commissioner's the commissioner's attorney um on March 31st and um it in some it asked that we begin our uh superintendent search um by selecting a search firm for the uh superintendent by June 1st. So, um we are in discussions about this right now as a board and we'll continue um and we'll continue uh those conversations um in our committee, our search committee. Um Should I go? All right. Um Other than that, I don't have any um additional updates um for you guys. You you
049guys all uh board members, you all will have the correspondence from the state. So, um Mr. Sacalovic. >> If I may ask a question. Your microphone needs to be on. Yes, thank you. Yeah, if I may, I'd like to go into a little more of what the actual memo said. Um state was highly upset that we were going to move to offer Dr. Avery a one-year contract and said we need to hurry up and search. And included in that email at the end was we can appoint a person to do it if we don't like who you pick. So, they want to urge us to hurry up and search. And that was prompted by us coming up with giving Dr. Avery a one-year contract to give the district some stability and then conduct a search
050in a timely manner. Which is that was my quote about me the um he's welcome to uh he's more than welcome to apply and he's doing more than a great job, but there's a process that we have to follow and the state is interfering with that process. So, if everybody could just reach out to the State Department of Education and just tell them let us do our jobs because they're a hindrance right now for this process. Thank you for We're going to move on to committee reports and referrals. Um the operations committee, we met on April 1st and um we have two items on the consent agenda tonight. Um one is um the uh proposed permit policy for 2026 to 2031, it's just updated. And then the other item um is the proposals for the
051absent RFP for the um uh uh for substitute teaching and paras. Uh paras? Yeah, substitute teaching. Um and that's going to be that's on the consent agenda tonight. Um Our next operations committee will be uh tentatively scheduled for May uh May 6th. Um Time to be determined based on um the invitation we got today. So, uh we'll get back to you on the time for that committee meeting, but it'll be tentative for May 6th. Um any referrals for operations? Mr. Sacalovic. Yeah, um as well, May 6th seems to be entirely too far away seeing our budget time. Maybe perhaps we should consider a special meeting in the interim as three weeks away, we've still got a whole long way long way to go with cuts. We haven't had an update on the budget in quite
052a while and I would definitely like to see one cuz we need to know what's going on and the community needs to know the sudden urgency of what we're facing in order to advocate properly before session closes, which is suddenly on May 6th as well. And then um we've got hearings coming up with the city council. If we get the information out there too late, late information is sometimes as bad as no information at all. And my referral would be um I'd like to put a resolution put forth a proposed resolution for the board to consider in regards to the finances of the district. And I'll provide you with the language at the next meeting. He's going to provide the language. He has a He has a resolution. He hasn't provided the language yet. What's
053your topic, Mr. Sacalovic? Regarding the financials of the district. The finances of the district. We'll discuss it more at the meeting cuz it's not on this agenda, so it wouldn't be appropriate under FOIA laws to discuss the topic here. Any other referrals? Um the instruction support services committee. Mr. Traber. You have the microphone. We're meeting um on uh on the 22nd. That's all I have to report. >> Any referrals for Mr. Traber? Seeing none. Um the policy committee, Mr. Lipton. Yes, I think the meeting is the 15th, if I'm not mistaken. April. Okay. Any referrals? Yes. In lieu of everything that we've heard, uh besides the support of the community for Dr. Avery, and I know that we're working in that process, and I support their actions of uh in the the the comment of
054Mr. Sacalovic that you know the state needs to know that we're trying to do our jobs and they're stepping over boundaries and we would like to either have a collaboration with them or if not for them to step back a little bit and let us do our job and then they can do whatever they got to do but we have to do what we got to stop acting with fear. We need to act, have faith, let's move forward and do what we need to do but for the policy committee we would like to also mention about the Muslim community that was here present in force for creating an I hack calendar committee that where we can look at this data that they had shared with us and we can really take a deep dive on
055this. You got that? Miss Ester Mera Jimenez? >> Woodson? I hear he's wanted. Huh? Miss Ester Mera Jimenez? Hi, good evening. I have um two referrals for the policy committee. Um I wanted to refer policy 9321 time, place, and notification of meetings to add language regarding cameras being turned on during regular and special meetings. I know we talked about it last meeting. However, I do have revised language that I think would be more appropriate. Would be more appropriate um for the board's consideration. the second referral is um referring discussion and possible action around non-committee members speaking during committee meetings and having that conversation as um as directed by Cape as I believe in our um council. I'll also email these referrals um to to Mr. Woodson as well. Thank you. Um ad hoc committees will
056start with uh Mr. Traynor. Yes, Madam Chair. Um I rue the fact that most of the people in attendance have already left because those of you who came tonight to speak about your thought that Dr. Avery needs to be offered a contract that notwithstanding whether I agree or disagree with you, I I do think Dr. Avery has done an excellent job but I am not going to offer an opinion about whether he should be offered a contract and we should disregard whether we do a search. Um we won't be able to do much of anything if we don't get money from the state. That's the reality of life. Um and unfortunately 3/4 of the people that came tonight to proffer their opinion to us are not here. And the reality is if we don't get
057the money if we can't balance the budget and if we're in the position of making the severe cuts that we've had to make the last few years um that question's moot in my opinion. Um and uh so I I think that Dr. Avery has done a a tremendous job working with us to Your ad hoc committee on advocacy. >> I I'm I'm getting there. Next time and what you discuss. So the the the need is to get money and so we are advocating. Dr. Avery has done a tremendous job working with us uh on the advocacy committee to get more money and we have had some tremendous uh progress in the last few weeks. I'm pleased to report. Um last week um we were up in Hartford a couple of days and in one day
058we went um from uh what appears to have been near balancing the budget to actually maybe having a little spending money. Um now you know you wait until you actually see the money and we will but uh we went from Wednesday when I was up there lobbying with one group uh where we were told that we had now enough money to balance the budget to Thursday where we were told by uh several of the uh state the Bridgeport delegation that having over that um so what what we're seeing is that our efforts are having results. Um we are uh it is an election year. A lot of people are concerned about getting their votes not just our state reps but a lot of leaders in the house and senate and the governor in particular. Uh
059so it is a year for us to push and our pushing is having results. Um so we are fighting and Dr. Avery has been critical in that uh and I appreciate all of his support and efforts um and we are going to continue. This Saturday we have a meeting at Central with the Bridgeport delegation members of the Bridgeport delegation. I urge and I would have urged all the people here to join us. That's my frustration. Um from 10:00 to 12:00 at the Central Library. Uh the first hour will be a meeting where we discuss the facts and explain the ECS and the whole process and how it works and then from 11:00 to 12:00 we'll be meeting with the members of the delegation. Um and so I would hope that you uh will join us
060that are still here and anyone listening online and that we get more people to come. It's an extraordinarily important meeting and then of course next week we have the city council hearing on Tuesday and Bridgeport day up in Hartford on Wednesday. So we have a very busy couple of weeks. Basically 2 and 1/2 weeks till the end of April and if by the end of April the legislature that's not their deadline their deadline is May 6th but by the end of April the legislature is hoping to be done. So we have 2 and 1/2 weeks to push hard and push hard and keep pushing hard as one Bridgeport dele- representative said to me last week uh they tell us that's all they got and before I became a teacher I was a union representative and
061in negotiations that I negotiated for many years every time a manager person told me that was all they had they always had more. And all we have to do is keep pushing. And if we keep pushing we can get more and that's our job right now is to keep pushing for our children. And that's who we're doing it for as one speaker up Miss Villegas said the child we're pushing for the children. And we want to keep fighting for our children. That's who we're fighting for and to get the children what they deserve uh which is 13 years of overdue increases in the education cost sharing formula. So that we can restore the cuts we've made for the last 13 years to the Bridgeport children. So that's our goal and um it's going well and
062we have a lot's going on the next few weeks and uh I'm happy to be working with the people in this community where we're working hard to make that happen. So that's where we're at right now. We have a brief planning meeting of the ad hoc committee on Thursday afternoon to sort of focus on the details of Saturday's meeting um and at the same time we're sort of juggling the events for the following week. So it's a we're hoping slingshot Saturday's meeting into the following week uh Tuesday and Wednesday and we'll look at Tuesday and Wednesday as one event to try and maximize the turnout for Tuesday's city council hearing and Wednesday's Bridgeport day up in Hartford. That's it. Um the Cape report Miss Ester Mera Jimenez? We have another ad hoc committee. I'm sorry.
063Mr. Benavides Grajales first for his ad hoc committee. Yeah. Thank you Madam Chair. Thank you Madam Chair. Thank you. Um Well we didn't meet from the last time we met on February 19th but I would like to add in my committee the review the facility master plan. I mean from Mr. George Garcia to see how far you know we are. And I'd like to see we can possibly meet for April 23rd. Okay. Um I'd like to go on 5:30 p.m. 5:05 April 23rd at 5:30 p.m. All ready. Um Miss Ester Mera Jimenez? Thank you. Um for Cape's report um they are highlighting legislative wrap-up. They're going to be holding an event um on May 12th. So they're going to be sending us the registration link so that we can um register ourselves and and get
064a debrief on all the different items that that were pushed through. They're also putting save the dates for delegate assembly that will be November 10th and then the Cape's and Cab's convention that they it's a two-day um convention in Groton that would be November 20th and 21st. They're also highlighting the finance webinar series that we've chatted about over the past few months. Those are archived on their website and available uh for viewing at your leisure. And then lastly, they they are offering another webinar for auditing purposes and that's May 20th from 12:00 till 1:15 p.m. And that's all. Thank you. We're going to move on to the superintendent's report. Sorry. Any questions for I might remind about the CAPE. Yeah, sorry. Go ahead. Uh just people should understand CAPE CAPE is is content with the
065150 million package. They are not seeking to increase it. So I just think that people need to understand that's where CAPE is on this issue. They are content with the incremental increases. Um so if the webinar that we we attended some of us the the plan they put forward through the school and state finance would have fixed the ECS formula in 7 years. 2033. So it's not satisfactory to us, but it is satisfactory to you know, that was the best they thought they could do. Thank you. Dr. Avery. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good evening, everyone. I hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable spring break. I know it was much needed and appreciated the opportunity. I know for me to kind of, you know, recharge and get refocused. Hopefully my staff coming back this week
066is able to do that. I wanted to also thank members of our community for their continued support. I'm grateful for those who have spoken positively about the work and have shown up in support of me and and this district. That encouragement is meaningful and we have so much more to do. So stand by and join me. While we have been doing important work for for advocating for our district for funding and navigating through complex operational and financial matters, as an educator at heart, I'm committed to going deeper on the academic side, ensuring every student receives support that they need to grow, achieve, and thrive. As we mentioned earlier, the next 2 weeks will be especially important for our advocacy efforts. We will get continue to work in collaboratively to evaluate the needs of our district
067and secure the resources for the students and staff that they deserve. We recently as of today as a matter of fact, we recently completed a story on expanded Wi-Fi across the public housing across Bridgeport. And so there's going to be some information that's going to be shared with our housing projects communities regarding all across Bridgeport where we're the district is is supporting with a 750 714,000 dollar grant to provide access to our families in the district at free of cost to the families. And so that report is going to be ready to be provided more information as soon as I give the board an update on what that's going to look like. So that's free Wi-Fi for public housing within the Bridgeport public schools you know environment or our community. Also, we're able to provide
068updates on the new playgrounds across the district. So we're upgrading those playgrounds throughout this summer. George and his staff are going to be working diligently right now trying to kind of sum up those playgrounds that are under construction. Again, I do want to extend that that huge thank you to Mr. Garcia and the facilities team. They're doing super great work. They have a very very challenging summer ahead of them. And so as we work to improve facilities across the district, we need to be able to kind of make sure that we are providing the best environments for educational growth as we possibly can. I also want to commend the board. They are working diligently to try to get these policies updated. We're at the tail end of trying to get a lot of them done
069today this evening at this evening's meeting. And then as the next couple of weeks come before us, we'll have a lot more policies that will be that the board will be bringing to finalize as well. So again, look forward to that continued work as well. So manager, I'll take any referrals. Any referral or questions for Dr. Avery? All right, seeing none. Oh. Mr. Wilson. Yes, sorry. I have a quick question for Dr. Avery. Um I I I heard about the said it was a grant for um Wi-Fi access for the kids. Um is there any update on computers? You know, are we are we going to be able to have be be able to access that online? You know You know, there's a lot of kids you know, don't have computers and tablets and stuff
070at home. You know, a lot of them do, but some of them don't. So are we are is there any update on the computers for the for the district? We we are actually right now looking at cost-saving measures and and ways that we're going to enhance you know, different priorities across the district. So one of the things that we're doing now is we the technology department is assessing exactly where we are with accessibility to the technology for our student access currently. We are getting ready to to begin testing season as well. So we have to have those the technology available and accessible for students to take their online assessments in as well. So all that is in is underway currently. And so we're maximizing what we have and then also taking inventory of the things
071that we are additionally going to be needing. And so by the end of you know, May we'll have a better you know, assessment of exactly what is needed. And as I look for budgetary returns this next year, we got to make sure that the the financial means of making sure technology is provided. We do that in a way that's going to be equitable and distributed across the district. So that is a priority of mine and and my staff, Mr. Wilson. And so hopefully we'll have that update to the board you know, soon. Okay. That's that's great. And I was just asking and I was when you said it I was curious because friend of mine during vacation you know, their their kids were able to make up the two snow days remotely. And I was
072thinking I was like man, if you know, we had access to computers and then maybe we would have had a chance to do the same thing instead of making them up during the end of the year. Just a thought. Thank you. Seeing no other hands, I will move on. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda? A motion is made by Mr. Traynor. Um is there a second? Second, Ms. Sabena. Okay. I'd like to remove item D, please. Mr. Kristopik. >> to remove item D for discussion, please. Anything else from the consent Any other discussion on this? Seeing none, all in favor I. approving A, B, C, and E. I. Online, you have to make a voice vote. Um This is Mr. Ramirez. I'm sorry. >> I. I got Mr. Daniels, Ms. Burt-Stunning. I.
073Mr. Wilson. I. Ms. Abbott. Um that'll be moved down to new business. We just approved the The D will be moved to Oh, D. Okay. Yeah. Um We will I'm going to just um pass over A if possible. We're waiting for our our journey from Shipman. So we start with D. Um we can start with with um the item we removed from the consent agenda. So approval of the proposed permit policy for 2026 through through 2031. And you asked to remove it, so your Rationale, I think we got a have some information from Mr. Garcia. I had asked at the meet at the meeting that we be provided information about how much Lighthouse consumes and what that we would be getting in Lighthouse fees since it's part of the permitting policy that some places get
074free get a free ride and we pay the expenses. And I wanted to get that number. And plus a brief overview for the public who might not I was looking for a We just Do you want to see the back? Not even the back. He was hiding. Mr. Garcia. Good evening. Um so currently Lighthouse pays 75,000 dollars. We're doing an analysis with the upgraded fees, so we should have that to you by the end of the week. Uh with the end of March, folks were taking some time off. So we're recovering from all of that. And we should have that to you guys in short order. How would you say it's probably over $75,000 by a significant amount? Substantially more than $75,000. Any other questions about approval for the proposed permit policy? Is there a
075motion to approve this item? Motion to approve the permit policy as presented by Mr. Garcia. Is there a second? I'll second it. Um any further debate? All in favor, say I. I. I. I. I'm I Daniels, I. Mr. Witson. I. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That one passes. All right. Um Okay, we're going to do letter letter B. For letter B. Approval of the contract for construction services for Columbus School front entrance masonry work. Good evening. Um we're starting with Columbus. >> Yes. Okay. This um project is to replace the front entrance of Columbus, the steps and the ramp. Um we're going to be reusing the handrails that are existing um to save money. The contractor who um won this bid was I E N. It's funded with capital funds and it's in the amount of
076$39,995. And this was put out to a public bid. Is there any questions? This was not brought before a committee, that's why it's on um I'll I'll get for questions. Anyone Anyone who has questions? Mr. Sokalovic. Is Was that the lowest bid? Yes. Any other questions? Seeing none. >> I believe in the packet you have all the bid prices. Mr. Traber, your microphone. Mr. Mr. Traber made a motion to approve um B. And it was seconded by Mr. Benehan. Um any further debate? All in favor, say I. I. I LaMar Daniels. I. I. I. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That passes. Um we'll keep going. Um approval of the contract for Bryant School paving and site work. Um this project goes along with the next project we'll talk about, the Bryant playground. So this is replacing
077the paving of the existing parking area and the area where the playground is. We'll be replacing sidewalks on and off site and curbing. And we will also be replacing a retaining wall that is holding the parking lot and playground. This was put out to a public bid. It's being funded with capital funds as well as a DRIP grant. Um it's Let's see. That price looks wrong to me. That is a wrong price. Um Blackrock Paving was awarded the bid and I can look at the packet or if someone has the packet for the correct price. Give me one second. I believe it was 300 300,000. I believe it was 310,000. Yes. I think it's missing a zero. 310,505. But I don't have a mistake. One of them can confirm. I don't Mine is not a
078load enough to be Oh, here we go. And Blackrock Paving was the lowest of the bidders. It's just loading, so. I can look on my phone if you want. >> Um I have the base. Yeah, we did all the alternate Okay. along with it. The base is 252. Mhm. I'm going to zoom in and only zoom in. All right, 252 uh 252,327. Um and then the alternates included um include a 4,515 uh dollar um alternate. Um one that includes 39,872 and one that's 400 4,789. So that sounds right. Comes out to 301,505.29. Thank you. 301 for those online. thousand. Mr. Traber moved to approve the contract for Bryant School paving and site work. Second Mr. Benehan. And it was seconded by Mr. Benehan. Any further debate on that? Seeing none, all in favor, say I.
079I LaMar Daniels. I. >> I. I. Any opposed? Any abstentions? And then um that passes. Approval of the contract for Bryant School playground. Bryant School playground goes along with the last project. The contractor is Comp-U-Net we use on many of our playgrounds throughout the district. We do um do a contract to the cooperative contract. This is funded with a capital fund as well as the DRIP grant. And the amount is $154,469. Any questions? Is there a motion? Mr. Traber moved to approve the contract for Bryant School playground and was seconded by Mr. Benehan. Any uh further debate? Questions? All in favor, say I. I. Any opposed? I LaMar Daniels. Oh, sorry. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That passes. Um The next item is the approval to amend the 2026-2027 capital plan to add a pool complex
080at Central High School. Thank you, Mr. McCarthy. Thank you. Well, thank you for all approvals. We're starting to close the gap on the safety issues with our playgrounds. And the Bryant site is a big project for us this summer to be able to close the gap on safety issues there also. Um so this next approval that we're looking for is amendment to our capital plan. Um we're looking for an additional $2,381,000. This is an exciting project. This is something I've been talking and I've been teasing a little bit about uh the potential of bringing a pool to Bridgeport. There's an organization by the name of the Brandt Foundation who uh feels strongly about teaching youngsters how to swim. Uh so they approached me early on um in the year and we had to started having
081discussions about the potential. Uh we did some site reviews throughout the city to find a adequate space for a pool. Um we landed on Central being that space because there's a large green space that span between um the Central Gym and Madison Avenue. That green space there. Um and it's just ideal for a pool there. So what the the Brandt Foundation would like to do is uh bring in a donation of roughly $8 million plus um they'll put towards this pool. Um we would finance the rest, the 20% city match. Um the council uh you know, we're going to look for approval from the council to get that match. Um within your packet you have some site site plans that give you a general description of uh location on site. Um and then there's two
082options. We're recommending option B. Um it's uh a little bit larger. We want to have a six to eight lane swimming pool so we can host competitions here. It'll be an outdoor pool with a pool house um with a multi-use room, restrooms, locker rooms, uh whole host. It's funny because we're doing a project along that stretch right now. We're working on some solar a solar canopy from that gym all the way to Madison Avenue. Um you know, so they just it it lends itself nicely to a project of this magnitude. Um so what we're requesting today is to amend our capital plan to add this to it. And I'll take any questions. Mr. Sokalovic. Yeah, I got it. I got quite a few. Actually. I'm looking at the presentation. You have the head of staff
083Bridgeport logo, Bridgeport City of Bridgeport logo, Wakeman Boys and Girls logo, the Brandt Foundation logo. And throughout the whole entire document Bridgeport Public Schools is not mentioned once. This appears to be a partnership between the City of Bridgeport and Wakeman Boys and Girls Club. Which I have no idea why it's coming through our capital plan and not the city's capital plan. Um City The City wants to partner with Wakeman and create and have a pool, it should be going through their capital plan, not our capital plan because we've got a mess mess facility plan that needs to be dusted off and looked at. And looking at these plans, we're giving up a softball field for these kids at Central that already have a softball field. And we just went through mothballing Blackham's pool. Have they
084been asked if they could somehow rehab Blackham's pool and open that back up rather than to take away a softball field from one of our high schools. I'm not sure if it's the only one, one of two high schools with softball fields in the city. Uh I think uh and I don't I don't even think under and under the general statutes we could even do this because we can only allow if the city is leading this with Wakeman Boys & Girls Club and we're not even written into the proposal of having use and all that, no guarantees to use this. We are allowed to use our facility lend out facilities out on a temporary basis, but nowhere in statutes does it say we got to give it away. I mean, this this appears on its
085face that we are relinquishing authority to hold that property. Cuz it's either ours or it's not. So, can you please explain why Bridgeport Public School is not even on this proposal? So >> How this came about that? It didn't even go through committee so we could have a little more time to discuss this. So, there were a couple of sold I'll talk about timing first. Um this is hot off the press. Uh we have our our capital discussions the 25th of this month. So, we couldn't bring it to you guys on the first. We just it wasn't ready uh for distribution. So, uh we had to sort of get this on today's agenda in order to meet the capital calendar. Um in terms of Wakeman being on here, um the city of Bridgeport is uh
086Brandt Foundation wants to do um an endowment long-term endowment for 10 years to pay the operating costs. The reason why we're looking at Wakeman potentially as being that person that can help us with that is because we don't have the wherewithal to maintain a building or pool at this time, right? So, bringing in Wakeman to help us, right? And having an endowment makes sense. Now, this is still a work in progress, right? I need time to sort of work out the minor details here. We're getting on our capital. There'll be other approvals that will have to come to you for as this process rolls out. Once again, having a pool on this site makes a ton of sense. We have two fields on the lower lot. I envision Central is becoming that sports complex. There's
087other opportunities. The city of Bridgeport currently is fixing the track around uh Kennedy Stadium. Uh those lower those lower um fields I have the potential of bringing in some additional funding from out uh from another donor who's done fields throughout the city that I have relationship with myself and Jamie. I worked on 10 turf fields throughout the city years ago. Um so, this is part of a bigger plan to start to enhance that site. You know, when we get these opportunities, someone wanting to donate, you know, 9 10 million dollars you know, I have to bring this to you because this is a tremendous opportunity. In terms of the pool at Blackham when we do the renovation of Blackham, we're going to want to put that into that renovation of Blackham. But currently, the state
088of that pool, you know, we're talking several million dollars to get that up to snuff, probably the soonest 10 to 15. Um so we're recommending this, but it's up to the board to decide if they want to move forward or not. >> So Who will be running the programs within the pool? Um we'll we're right now Wakeman is the one that we've discussed uh potentially running the programming at on the site. Of course, we'd have MOUs and all of that stuff to make sure that we have first right of use. But long-term it doesn't make sense for us to manage it into the evening, manage it out on the weekends. You know, we're going to want to have usage, you know, as much as possible on this site. But for us we're short-staffed. You know,
089we're down about 50 folks. So, for us to take something like this on is difficult. The beauty of this is having an endowment and having them sort of fund everything helps us along here. Um See, this this got to be a the primary use of this place got to be for our schools. I mean, I'm I think we're going to have to at the very least on a still committee maybe should be referred to the What's this committee here? facilities the facility master plan because When is it due? Uh I have to present to the council on the 25th. On the 25th? It's the 25th. If this is Yeah, um I'm sorry, poor planning does not make an emergency on our part. This is a big significant decision. This is not something we should be
090deciding in 5 minutes. Cuz our kids will be losing a softball field. We will be losing a significant chunk of the space around it. And a pool could be a revenue generator. If Bridgeport Public Schools is running the pool we could rent it out. With the approval process, we could add a add pool fees for use. And that could be a profit center for us. I agree. I mean, I think the sky's the limit with a pool in Bridgeport. We don't have an outdoor pool at this at this time. And the district only has one operational pool. So, the potential of bringing another is exciting and we wanted to make this recommendation to the board. I don't understand why Bridgeport Public Schools is not even on this document. That >> [snorts] >> is Is that
091a partnership? Is it a >> a covenant. Me. It I mean, it it does not nothing in this document. The architect did the rendering, so The City of Bridgeport will partner with Wakeman and the foundation, not Bridgeport Public Schools. It would be a different story and I would have a different take if I was if it would say Bridgeport Public Schools is entering into a partnership with Wakeman Boys & Girls Club. City Attorney, would you like to weigh in? Yes, Attorney Anastasi. If you can get to the microphone for us. Want to get to the microphone? Get you so the online can hear you. Yeah. Okay. Mark Anastasi for the City Attorney's Office. And I just want to point out that to the extent we're talking about property that's currently dedicated or utilized for school
092purposes, unless the Board of Ed determines and votes that they no longer want to use that property for school purposes, the city does not have unilateral authority to act with respect to that property. The city would only have unilateral authority should the Board of Ed abandon the property and transfer it back to the city. So, I don't think anybody envisioned cutting the board I know nothing about this project until tonight. But I'm quite certain that Mr. Garcia is well aware that this is going to be a three-way arrangement should it proceed. Obviously, I think he's looking for uh evidence of interest on the part of the board. I don't know whether you need a formal vote tonight. You would know that better than I. But ultimately, you would also clearly need the city's approval because
093this is sort of a hybrid use. It's not solely for educational purposes, although I believe as was indicated, you will have priority usage. So, what the final vision looks like I don't know, but title to the property rests in the city. Usage of the property rests with the board. And a third party is looking to get involved in a I guess it would be sort of a partnership arrangement or management agreement with both parties. I don't think that differs from anything you've been saying other than maybe an architect's rendering left a name off something in haste. But I'm quite confident that uh the Board of Ed is going to be an appropriate player. I mean, we're still going to have to circle back with legal MOUs and all of that stuff. So, there's still that
094opportunity. This is about us getting it on to giving me the ability to bring it to the council to see if they're even willing to fund this. Because they've got to capitalize this. And at the same time, I know that the donor is looking to do something. Whether it's with us or another town, we have to sort of give them some notice on what it is what our intent is if we want to continue or not. Yeah. Dr. Avery. George, can you give us give us a little bit more clear direction of what what are we talking about here? Are we are just exploring the opportunity here? They're voting on exploring it, going taking it back to committee, getting a little bit more detail, taking it to the council. So, it's not that you're approving
095anything. It's just more of really looking at is this something that the board even want to take on? It may not be board may not be ready for it, right? Uh but I think it's just give us a little bit clearer direction of what you're asking. >> So, what I'm asking for is the approval to add this to our capital plan because there is a funding piece that we need, um which is about 20% of the project. They want us to show some skin in the game. Obviously, we haven't been able to get I haven't been able to sit with the attorneys to create the documents that go along with this. Um that's something that we will do once we have commitment cuz that is a lot of work. There's a lot of contracts. We're
096we're doing sometimes four, five, six contracts a month. Um you know, so we want to be respectful of everyone's time. But this gives me the ability to take this to council to see if they have an appetite for this. Um at any point if we want to pull the plug, we can pull the plug. Um but you know, once again, bringing this to you guys, recommending this is what I'm hired for is to make sure I'm looking at every opportunity funding-wise or health and safety-wise to bring to you to make sure that you guys have the latest information and make those decisions. Mr. Nickol. Brenda, under the table. five-year capital plan that the board had approved. The board approved Board of Education five-year capital plan. Going before the City Council, knowing the projects that are
097involved in the five-year capital plan. He's just proposing or asking the board to amend the five-year capital plan, more specifically fiscal year 2026-2027. My suggestion here, granted it's in a kind of a rush rush situation, my recommendation here The donor is going to pay 80% of the cost. The city is going to bond 20% of the cost. So, it's not costing the Board of Education, the district, one penny. I guess the issue here is the use or the authority to use. The board can approve inclusion of this in the board amended capital plan with a condition that before construction that the board has to have an agreement with the donor as to what the board's right will be. Yeah, so the goal would be that we would create that MOU for you, that memorandum of
098understanding that details every aspect of usage to ensure that our youngsters are going to get the first usage, the last usages, any usages that we would like to see. Um, but, you know, once again, eight lane, six lane pool, we can bring competitions into Bridgeport and get our youngsters a pool that they really, really need in the district. Again, for more clarity to me, this is not binding. If the board can at any point in time say we don't want to partner with you or whoever the donor is, we don't want you to build a pool in our school facility. And that's the end of it. Before they even do it, before they even do the construction, I'm sorry. George has to come before you with the RFP for you to approve the RFP for
099the contractor and approve the contractor who's going to be doing the capital improvement just like he did this evening. These These projects are funded by capital budget. However, he still came before you, before the board, to approve this project. He has to come before the board for you to approve this pool. He's just asking the board to amend potential capital plan. There's no commitment that the city is going to even fund the 20%. I don't know. Well, for that case, any capital projects. I mean, there's always the potential of that. So, that's just the way I look at it. Is this your mayor Hemenez? Thank you. Um, actually, Mr. Nickol Okay. Um, answer some of my questions. I'm hearing myself echo, and it's very distracting. One thing that I did want to mention was that
100uh, just like Mr. Scucalovic, I was not very keen on getting rid of a baseball diamond. However, I'm looking at the um architect's rendering, there's two other baseball diamonds on site. So, it's not like we're getting rid of a baseball diamond and the kids will not have a place to play. There's two other sites um, right by the football field. The other thing that I did want to um ask, and I think Mr. Nickol kind of hit on it, is that we're going to have to get the ultimate approval to just like we did for the playground to offer or extend the contract to the construction contractor. Um, so so I Okay, so I understand completely what you guys are trying to do here, and just kind of wanted to know that yes, we are
101taking something away here, but there's two other baseball diamonds. A clarity question really quickly for So, the intent is that Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, they would run and manage this pool site. But, we, Central High School students in Bridgeport Public School students would have or I I want to say first rights. If Wakeman kids wanted They have their own membership and everything. If they wanted to use that pool, would they have to pay? Or is that embedded as part of the cost of maintaining the program in the pool? So, one of the things of the foundation is that no child should pay um, to to utilize the facility. So, Wakeman in turn cannot charge our our children to utilize the pool. Um, and then yes, we would have to bring contracts back in front
102of you. Capital plan is one of those things that, you know, what what tonight you're giving me the ability to maneuver and start to put more details and start to build this out more. Um, you know, once again, you know, our time frames and amount of work that we're trying to do and take on with a small group of folks it's just we don't have enough bandwidth to to to, you know, be able to move things as fast as we'd like to. Um, but once again, this was a lot of moving parts to put this together. I know the architect was under duress because I said I had to have this uh, before the council meeting. Um, so if we miss putting a logo on or really digging in deeper in terms of how that
103MOU is going to work but once again, I need time to sort of work through these details cuz if I build this out full scale I'm not putting something else together that we have to do immediately. Um, this is time. This is a year. This is, you know time for us to build up and get you all the details and information, and I've got to come in front of you again and get approval. So, you can always stop the bus whenever you feel like uh, you're not comfortable. Um, but, you know without having some sort of commitment, I can't continue to move forward because I have other things that I need to do that are in front of me now. And we really need to let the donor know if we we would like to
104partake in this or not. Thank you. Mr. Medina. Sorry. For those that are not aware, I just want to make some clarity. Even though there's somebody is well aware of this property, it is not a baseball field that is up there. It's actually a softball field. So, we have two softball fields, one in that property that we're talking about now and one directly behind the school, behind the cafeteria area over there, where we used to call the F corridor or an entry. So, and then the big one at the other far corner, that's the baseball field. So, there's two softball fields in this property. We have I believe that it's still being utilized because Central has always been uh, huge in softball, and they have a varsity and a JV team. Uh, has this been
105uh, spoken to the school at all? We haven't circled back. Once again, I need time to understand if we're going to partake in something or not before we invest the kind of time that's going to be needed to dig through this entire project and process. In the rendition of uh, site plan A and B, I see there is a building that is going to be taking uh almost doubling from the A to B, uh, and then I see that there's parking spaces also. Uh, in rendering A is 40 parking spaces, and rendering B is 84. Where are those parking spaces that they're taking over? Parking remains the same. Um, obviously, the usage on the weekends does not have an impact to school. Uh, during school, obviously, we use the parking spaces. So, there's no there's
106no negative to the parking because of off-hour usage. In terms of the ball fields, once again, those two those two lower fields need to be turf. It's something that I'd like to work on. Uh, and we feel that we have someone that can come in and help us with that, potentially financially. >> and the softball field, yes. Those two. There's two different fields, softball and baseball. Um, and then including So, what is I don't know if you have the rendition there. I have it right in front of me. What What is the area that's lined up there? Which one are you using? What are you talking about? Which option? What page? This one here in B? Yeah? Oh, no, that's that's like a entry space. So, probably a walkway, like, you know, just an entry
107point. So, that'd be concrete. Okay. Yep. Question is Thank you. Um, Madam Chair, um Mr. Garcia, you know, when it's about sport and thing for the kids, I'm agree 100%, but I have some question. Okay, this is a good thing, you know, we we always talk about when we're going to have the pool, and you know, so many times, and this is good. This little land, it's our our space. This belongs to the city or belongs to the BOE? Uh, to us. To us. And you the way you talk to me, correct me if I'm wrong. They would um, the working man is going to be in charge of the going to be running the um, pools? Potentially. We're still working through those details. There have been preliminary discussions that they because they have a
108building right next door, um, potentially, they can be someone that can come in and manage the site. For us to manage the site, once again, that takes staff. That's a FTE, that's several FTEs to run that on the level that we'd like to cuz obviously, you want weekend usage, you want evening usage. That's too much for us to manage. We can't afford the FTEs to do all of that. So, through endowment and Wakeman or another provider, we can achieve all of that. And why can't it be inside? Why it has to be outside? Because I'm asking if you go when it's inside is it >> That's That's what the donor likes to build, you know, so they feel like, you know, having a pool outdoors, there's some magic to that. So. Yeah, because I'm saying
109that because when it's inside is I believe it's a more for, you know, Cost, also. It could be double the cost. Yeah. HVAC for pools are very expensive. We just replaced the HVAC at JFK was around 2 3 million dollars. So, you know, once you're building a facility like that, you're talking about envelope, you're talking about HVAC, you're talking about a whole host of of of costs that would double this project and probably not make it feasible. And when you say the child the Bridgeport school going to attend this, is it going to be all Bridgeport public school um All Bridgeport public schools. Or any school child living in Bridgeport? Well, on off hours, any child that lives in Bridgeport, right? We want inclusion of every every child to have that opportunity. You know, but
110we will structure our time during the day, we will structure our time in the evening with Lighthouse. We will structure to make sure that everyone has that opportunity. You know, we used to cycle children to Blackham or to JFK. You know, this takes the place of of Blackham in that part of town that really needs that. But once again, we're enhancing the site, right? The way I look at our properties is that we have to continually to find creative ways to build them up. I feel that Central can become that sports complex that we're looking for. We just did the gym floor there. You know, we have the stadium there. They're redoing the track. There's a couple ball fields down low that can become turf. There's plenty of parking. You know, the solar project can
111dovetail all into this to help shave off costs for utilities. This is just a beautiful movement if we make it happen. And when this kids are going to be used in, you know, for May to September? The when the schools open, the schools close in the middle? In terms of usage? >> You have to use it, you know, the time in the day. >> The children have used our pools, have been bust in to our pools throughout the day. You know, that's the programming piece that I leave to Dr. Avery and the academic folks. You know, I build it, but you know, uh we will get max usage out of this. That I can guarantee. Being a Bridgeport kid, you know, this would be something special for the youngsters. And question, who's going to, you
112know, I'm really glad they say they're not they're not going to cost money for for education. But the end of everything sometimes the city come with a little surprise. Oh, who's going to pay the taxes? That's why we have attorneys to make sure that we tidy we we we create a document that is impenetrable and we make sure that we cover all of our bases in those documents, whether they're contracts or MOUs. You know, I feel confident. I wouldn't be in front of you if I didn't. I I know Mr. Garcia and trust me, like I was saying, I trust you because I know what you do for Bridgeport public school and I know you want the best. Thank you, Madam Chair. Mr. Medina. Is this potential field house? So, there's been conversations through delegation
113and others about wanting to bring field house to Bridgeport. You know, so indoor track, basketball facilities, things like that. Once again, you know, Bridgeport we lack in a lot of different areas. I think our delegation is doing a tremendous job at trying to be creative in how they bring the funds back to Bridgeport. And field house is something that folks have wanted to do for a very long time. So, what I did was, since we had the attention of an architect, we wanted to just put a placeholder there so we could see what it looks like, you know, at scale on the property. We're not That's still a future project that, you know, we may embark on. But, you know, we wanted to put it there at the opportunity of having an architect that was
114willing to do it for me and put it to scale so we we had them add that. Okay, so this is only so the numbers that we're looking at here and everything the 80% 20% of capital plan and things like that, this is only for the swimming pool, has nothing to do with that. With that box? No, nothing with that extra box. Just the pool, the pool house with all amenities that go in that along with a multi-use room in there. Um and that's it. And then, you know, we'll work details of MOUs, contracts, endowments, all of that stuff as we start to work through the project. Yeah, well, my other question was answered by Mr. Benham made me think of another one. And so, Mr. Benham spoke, I was thinking of a year-round facility.
115But what we're talking about taking up a significant amount of space and a softball field away for basically 4 months of the year for the pool to be useful. It's New England. It gets cold. It doesn't warm up until basically June. I hear you. And it starts getting cold again in September. And do Can we afford that? To have that space with that open water and we also got to explore liabilities. What somebody falls in the pool? Who's liable? Us, the city, Wakeman? There's a whole There's a whole There's a whole There's a whole lot of layers to this thing, man. That's why I don't like to rush stuff like this. And these are the things that we have to work through. So, you know, once again, every time that we bring something to you
116guys, obviously make sure that we do our due diligence. We've done our due diligence up until this point. We feel confident that this project is something that can happen in terms of the mechanism of contracts, MOUs, you know, all of that, insurance piece. That's when we call folks like Mark and our in-house attorneys to help us develop those documents to ensure that we are safe in terms of how things are used and if there's any liability. Last call, is there a motion? Mr. Benham. Madam Chair and everyone, Mr. Garcia, I would like to table this. I would like to get more information, more details. It's amazing project. Mr. Garcia, don't take it wrong. As Mr. Sacalides say, who's going to be in charge of this, who's going to be in charge of that, what happened
117when the one later the city say no, the board has a problem. So, I would like to make a motion to table this. Can we bring it to my committee or my committee to get more details? I will. There's been a motion and a second. Just I want to say that um if we table it, it will not be brought before the capital plan, it goes before the city. So, this will be for next year's capital plan. Or it'll be tabled basically I mean, I I think that, you know, if if we can't sort of meet this calendar, I don't know if the donor is going to, you know, I don't think they're going to extend out to next year. I know there's other cities in town that are interested in doing the work. You
118know, but once again, it's the board's prerogative either way. So, there's been a motion to table the item. Um and since property seconded it, so we'll take a vote to table it. Roll call. A roll call vote. Ms. Esterman-Gonzalez. Mr. Benham, could I have abstention? Yes. Mr. Woodson. No. Ms. Perez. No. Mr. Sacalides. Yes. Ms. Burke-Janning. I I'm sorry, what was that? Ms. Ms. Burke-Janning, was that a yes or no? Yes. Mr. Daniels. Can you all hear me? There's a lot of echo again. It was all good until now. Can you hear me? Yes, I can. Yes. I vote no. Mr. Draper. No. Mr. Medina. Yes. Okay, that motion passes. Um if we can get it in before next week, then we will. If not, we'll wait for next time. Okay, thank you. Um we're
119going to go back to item A, discussion of possible action and receipt of legal advice from representatives of the Bridgeport City Attorney's Office and or the law firm of Shipman and Goodwin, which we have Ms. Rebecca Santiago in in attendance and Mr. Anastasi from the City Attorney's Office. Um relative to the employment of Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery in response to the uh correspondence on March 31st, from the State Connecticut Department of Education. Dr. Avery has been notified that um he can have this in uh public. He has chosen executive session. Um so, with two-thirds of a vote, we can go to executive session. Is there a motion? Yes. Can you just stick to the mic? Yeah. Rebecca Santiago. I I Yes, I did say Mr. Anastasi. >> The one on the record that the superintendent
120is consenting this matter be conducted. Dr. Abby, can you just say Dr. Abby does consent for it to be in executive session? Consent. Um and and he may be a part of it at um some point if we call him in. Um and again Mr. Anastasia Anastasia will be with us. Is there a motion to go >> Motion to go into executive session to discuss legal advice from what from the from legal team. Is there a second? Seconded by Mr. Medina. We do need All in favor say I. I, Lamar Daniels. Thank you. I. Any opposed? Any abstentions? All right, we'll go into executive session. Those of you online, you have a second link um that was sent to you so you can sign into that and we'll meet you in like 3 minutes. >>
121Mhm. >> All right. It is 9:32 and we're back from executive session. Um We are not taking any actions on anything that was discussed in executive session. So, we're going to move on to our last item of the agenda, the approval of the first read of the 2000 administrative series policy. I'm done. Huh? You want to start You want to start? Yeah, go ahead. Yeah, what you got? Yeah, I'm I'm just wondering if we sufficient to put it back into into policy. So, after the first read or Uh yeah, because there's a couple of things in policy that's got to be looked at in this conjunction with 3000. Right? And we got to We're going to do 3000 and we're going to have to make sure that they both gel. So, um the model policy
122that you have, we removed the regulations from it. So, the contradictions that were there are no longer in the new revised version. And I believe the 3000 series is coming before committee this week. Uh but yeah. All right, yeah, there's a couple of things I got to work through, but I get it. I'm sorry. Go ahead, Dr. Are you ready for me? Yeah, go ahead. Oh, okay. Uh thank you, Madam Chair. Uh you have before you a series of 2000 policies that's currently uh in in our in our board policies. I want to bring your attention to uh the fact that Cave has reviewed all of the all of the 2000 policies and and has given authority that all policies are correct and accurate. Uh but I want to bring to your attention a couple
123of the 2000 series. Uh you have a 2000 regulation uh that I'm going to bring in your packet. You'll see the regulation that was modified by my office uh regarding that 2000 policy. And then I want to bring to your attention um policy number 2113, 2131, and 2151 for considerations for uh readoption. I would like to take the whole 2000 policy because the 2000 policy does not have the original adoption date on it. So, as the board approves these 2000 policies, the date that you approve it would be the date that we will move forward in making sure that the policy is going to be updated from that point on. Um again, Cave reviewed all of the 2000 policies and gave recommendation that all of them are accurate. They just don't have an adoption date
124on them. Uh so, again, the only ones that I want to consider, you know, revision is the regulation of 2000 policy, policy number 2131, that's the assignment and transfer of building administrators, uh the >> 2113. 20 2113. I said 31. And then the job description title uh description of the superintendent, which is policy number 2131. Um and then the other uh policy is policy 2151. Uh and it's the hiring of administrative staff. Nothing really changed in the recommendations from Cave, but there's some clarity in language um a little bit more um you look at I'm I'm to take you if you go to policy uh 2131 um this provides more detail in qualification and expectations of the superintendent. That policy has not really been updated since 2014. Uh and what CABE and um the administrative
125council are not administrative council um I can't think of the name of the other of the other um group that helped CABE with this updated policy. So, everything is the same, it's just a lot more clarity for um yeah, assignment and transferring ability administrators. Uh our superintendent his job description of the superintendent cuz the role has changed a lot. Uh and it gives you a lot more clarity as a board to make sure that the superintendent is doing exactly what they're supposed to do when it comes to governance. Um um So, again, those are the only changes of uh and I will be glad to kind of um you have sample, you know, updated policies for your consideration as well. And then when we move to the 3000 series, we will connect the dots and
126then we'll bring those anomalies to the board for consideration at the next policy committee. Uh and when we address the 3000 series, which are the two that the state is requiring the board to to hopefully try to finalize soon. Are there any questions? I don't Okay. Uh Mr. Medina, go ahead. Make sure cuz I got two documents that were presented that were printed out to me, I think. If so, one had a red letter at the top that it says updated version for approval. Um that's the one that has the amendments that you're suggestion that we make, is that correct? The updated ones are the the recommended from uh CABE that Dr. Eby is bringing before us, yeah. The other item in our portal was the previous policy. So, you're comparing the the updated versus
127what's current. Okay. What I would have liked to have seen What I would have loved to have seen instead of seeing two documents is just to see what was added and what was subtracted on one document that way we can make this a speedy process because right now I'm looking at two documents trying to compare them. And like I see on uh 2131A, there's only four bullet points, but when I look at 21 uh 2131A on this so-called updated version for approval, there's eight bullet points. Uh and so on. It actually keeps on going on to the next page. Yeah, so those are the the new updates. And And this is just this is just the first read, so this is going back to the committee, correct? Okay. >> Thank you. I don't care. Yes.
128The one >> asking to suspend the bylaw this one. This is first read. >> Right. That is the one we're voting to approve, right? >> Yes, the updated version. >> The updated policy is more detailed in qualification and expectation of the superintendent. So, when you start looking at A, B, C in the policy, it's it's CABE's recommended policy due to the fact that they've CABE gave more clarity and definition so you could have a a deeper understanding about the job of the superintendent. The old policy may not had the detail as the new policy has. So, that's the difference between the two. It's giving you a little bit more detail behind the role of the superintendent. And And for example, just to um further that in like the clar- the the regulations on in the
1292000.1 policy, um in the previous uh policy, you'll see the chart of regulations. That's the what that's the the specific thing that contradicted the 3000 series. So, in in that series in that regulation, for instance, there were um there was a po- a regulation that said the superintendent can uh sign all contracts and not bring them before the board. My computer just died, so I don't have my notes anymore, but um but that's that now will be wiped away. That's not on that anymore. So, the new regulations are the new recommended regulations are um aligned with the 3000 regulation or policies. Well understood. I just thought that we were moving forward in the way things like this when I mean this, any document that we're approving uh any document, that it should be one document
130with everything lined out that is going taken out and those that were added. I thought we we made that stipulation in that, you know, that we had an understanding that's what's going to happen, but this it doesn't show me that. That's why I just need more time. >> like a recommendation from the board. That was a recommendation, I believe, but I think the only four changes are those four that um uh Dr. Eby presented. But yes, you have more questions? Mr. Sacalavitch? Yeah, I I agree with Mr. Medina about the red lines edits and it's being as this is a first read, we're not going to get too deep into it, but one of the main things is the point of this exercise is to understand the roles of the board and the superintendent. I
131want to point out this one glaring issue right here that CABE maybe should have caught. Just saying CABE approved it already is not really doing much for me anymore. Um issue, use of the phrase chief executive officer of the board. The superintendent is the chief executive officer of Bridgeport Public Schools. He has domain and dominion over administration of our schools. He has no dominion and oversight of the board. He is chief executive officer of Bridgeport Public Schools and answerable to the Bridgeport Board of Education. Since we're clarifying roles, I believe that needs to be made abundantly clear for any future boards and any future superintendents. Which policy is that on? 31, okay, got it. >> Thank you. Say it again for everybody. 2131A. A. Beginning of 2131A, the first thing. But I guess we can
132talk about the rest of them at another time. It's just that Dr. Eby. All they're saying here is that you are the superintendent is a the chief executive officer of of the district and for the board. It's the same thing. It's just It's just the way it's worded and your and your interpretation of it. Right. And if this could be my interpretation, it could be anybody's interpretation coming on coming along. Turnover board, you got nine new board members. Our superintendent is supposed to say that. I I actually would agree with Mr. Sacalavitch. It would be chief executive officer for the board uh of education or chief executive officer of Bridgeport Public Schools, one or the other. But it would not be chief executive officer of the board. And And you can also add if the
133to want a little more like cohesiveness, add a non-voting member of the board as well. I don't think that's supposed You don't think that's right. Ms. Estevez? Wait, 4100? Yeah, um Ms. Estevez Mendez? Super minor edit, add page numbers. Um so that when we're straddling the same policy, different pages, we can we can end referencing them. You know, in terms of discussion, we can actually go to the proper page. Mr. Sacalavitch? Yeah, and and and the thing about this not going through committee is we don't get to cut this up. If we do it now, we make an amendment, then it comes back to the board and then there's another amendment has to be made. It's not a finished product that is being thrown in the trash bin. Probably. And we could go back and
134forth and we keep back and forth a couple of times because right now I'm only pointing out >> the board because as until we uh discuss the the new policy on what a committee looks like, we were advised that we're not supposed to be meeting as a full board in a committee unless that changes and that's why I brought it before the board so you guys can all get input on the first read. So, you know, we don't have to go back and forth. >> I love it. Take it back to committee for more thorough discussion. That's >> Yeah, but that's the point. Don't don't don't don't Okay, got you. So, that's what we're trying to get all your input now so that when it does go through committee, we've already heard your input and
135so we figure out a policy on um board input at committees. You have more? No, I was just saying we got we got a we got a board policy on input and committees that all board members should have >> for all the violates for our lawyers. So, uh we don't have to debate that right now. That That'll be at a That's been referred to committee. Um So, you said your recommendation is for it to say for the Bridgeport public schools or What was your language? This girl as chief executive officer of the Of the Bridgeport public schools? Chief executive officer of the Bridgeport public schools accountable to the board. You want to make an amendment? Yeah, motion to amend The first we need to Can you put your mic on Can you repeat all that
136with your mic on? Replace it with the chief executive officer of Bridgeport public schools accountable to the board of ed board. Is there a second for his amendment? We need your help on the online. Repeat Can you repeat that again? That first line. Instead of saying of board of education he wants to say of Bridgeport public schools accountable to the board. Yeah. Seconded by Mr. Medina. Is any debate on that? I'll give Mr. Sacal the first chance. Mr. Draper? On a point of clarification, I don't think they said the same thing. Mr. Sacal, repeat. This is for 2131. Replace chief executive officer of the Replace it with chief executive officer of the school district accountable to the board. He just said it again cuz you said Bridgeport public schools earlier. Okay, right. Chief executive officer
137of Bridgeport public schools accountable to the board. Okay. Are you there? He needs to second that. He He did. He seconded Bridgeport public schools accountable to the board. Yeah, but you didn't get that part. Yeah, that's what I said. Medina, okay. So, now I would argue what does that mean accountable to the board? Being added in there. That makes it clear the roles and responsibilities that the board has to has final say over the superintendent. I think that's said though the the the whole the whole series. I think that's an unclear redundancy. Says that. It says it throughout. So, in the regulations it says it. Throughout the whole 2000 series it'll say yep accountable but in not those exact words but accountable to the board. Yeah, our position is basically end of beginning of his
138job description. I Oh, Madam Chairman. My point is is that I I believe it's a redundancy because that's what the relationship with the board the educational direction leadership is all about. And so I I mean I understood changing the chief executive officer direct chief executive officer of the board of education that part is is inaccurate but now we start adding in language to the first sentence when it says will have the following specific powers and duties. The whole our that whole section is about what does this mean? And so why do we want to start defining and throwing in terms trying to explain one little thing in that first sentence? Accountable to the board is a term that the whole section is explaining. I just think it's unnecessary language. There's a amendment for this policy.
139Um Was there a motion made? Like oh, wait the motion Okay, yeah. Um so the motion is to amend um 2131A. Uh Is there any further debate? All in favor say I. I. Any opposed? I oppose. I. I vote no. We're going to roll call it, Maritza. >> Okay. Perfect. Um Mr. Benavides He said pass. Pass. Okay. Mr. Woodson No. Ms. Perez No. Mr. Sacal Sacalovic Yes. Ms. Burke-Jennings Oh, I don't see her any longer. Okay, but not present. Um Mr. Daniels Can you all hear me? Yes. >> Yes. Yes. Okay. Uh no. Okay. I vote no. Mr. Draper No. Mr. Medina Yes. Okay, the no's have it. Mr. Benavides Oh, Mr. Benavides, I'm sorry. No. Okay, no's have it. Madam Chair >> Mr. Draper I would like to make a proposal to amend this
140section to say the superintendent of schools as chief executive officer of the Bridgeport public schools will have the following specific powers power powers and duties. Is there a Okay, you want to second it? Um all in favor Any opposed? I. Any abstentions? Okay. That one passes. Is there any further amendments for this before it goes back to first read second read? You know what I mean. You want to send it back? Well, we we could always look at it at committee before it comes back to the board and go a little deeper. Okay. And then come back with whatever. For those of you not in the committee if you have any final Yeah, recommendations you could say it now and that way it's on record. Seeing none. Who wants to send it? Okay. Motion to
141send the 2000 series to committee to fish for this for the discussion. For further review. Um Seconded by Mr. Draper. All in favor to send it back to committee say I. I. Any opposed? I. Lamond Daniels, I. Any abstentions? >> I. Thank you guys. Um all right, so we'll go back to um policy committee. Any >> Motion to adjourn, Madam Chair. >> Other motions? Motion to adjourn by Mr. Medina seconded by Mr. Benavides. All in favor I. See. Any opposed? Meeting will adjourn at 9:53. Thank you all. Have a good night. >> Thanks.