001Good evening. This is a call to order for the regular Bridge for Board of Education meeting. Today is February 9th and it is 6:36. Um, can you all rise for the pledge? United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all for all. >> Mr. Mayor Rimenez, can you take roll call? >> Sure. [clears throat] >> Mr. Albert Benahan, >> he's present. You have to put the mics on. Okay. Uh, Mr. Woodson. Okay. Miss Perez in person. Mr. Jose in person. >> Perfect. Miss Burks Jenning. I saw online >> virtual. M. >> Thank you. Mr. Daniels. Okay. I am virtual. Mr. Traber, I see in person >> and Mr. Medina see present. >> Present. >> Thank you. Um we're going to start
002with our student representative reports. We'll start with the um students we have in person. So you can go ahead and click your microphone to begin. Good evening everyone. My name is Shanoi Fraser and I'm a senior at Warren Harding High School. Tonight I will describe the activities that my school has participated in for January and upcoming events for February. Firstly, to commemorate the new year, Hardin Student Council hosted a winter pep rally on January 8th, 2026. Students were engaged in activities such as a balloon pop race and a and turning teachers into snowmen. The pep rally highlighted our winter sports teams, especially the girls and boys basketball teams and the track teams for their excellent performances throughout the season. Moreover, Moreover, Harden's debate team took on 70 teams at the CDA tournament on January 10th.
003The team had only 60 minutes to prep and no internet access. Despite this, these students delivered powerhouse performances on various global issues that society faces now. On January 13th, students who were taking Yukon introduction to Allied Health completed a shadow experience at St. Vincent's Hospital. Students were exposed to the clinical routines of various health care professionals, patients interactions, daily workflows, and the realities of having a medical career. The purpose of this experience was to help these students to familiarize themselves with the positive and negative aspects of working in such a setting. Following this, a blood drive was held on January 15th and hosted by students of the medical career magnet in collaboration with the American Red Cross. Students and staff were educated about the importance of being a blood donor and were encouraged to give
004blood if they could. Overall 15 15 pins of blood were collected to mark the end of semester 1. Final examinations were held on January 21st and 22nd. Then any required makeup assignments were administered on January 23rd. Officially semester 2 began on January 28th due to the winter storms and students transitioned into their new classes. Additionally, Harden CNA students commence their clinical rotations at Lord Chamberlain's nursing and rehabilitation center that their clinical rotations. Oh, sorry. So, they started these clinical rotations on February 2nd and 3rd. Throughout these rotations, students will gain hands-on experience to prepare them for life outside of the classroom and their state license exam in April. Furthermore, Hardin's Health Occupation Students of America, HOSA, celebrated National Red Day on February 6th throughout the entire school. This day bring awareness to heart diseases, especially
005in women because the number one cause of death in females. Additionally, February is cardiovascular awareness month and its sentiments are represented by red. Lastly, Harden Student Council is planning a Black History Month spirit week that will highlight different aspects of Black Culture and educate students about this. Also, there will be an art expo in which students will explore the black experience through their individual art styles. Their pieces will be displayed on February 23rd. Thank you. >> Thank you. See that works well. All right. Good evening members of the board of education and interim superintendent Dr. Royce and everyone in attendance. My name is Christian Bea and I am a 12th grader at the magnet program in Central High School. And for news on my school, recently we held a pep rally so that we can
006recognize our scholar athletes and celebrate school spirit as we transition into the second semester. For this month, we are also currently celebrating Black History Month. And we have daily studentled morning announcements which are also led alongside our principal Dr. Graph. And what these are for are highlights of influential figures in black history. The month will conclude con conclude with a large schoolwide assembly featuring guest speakers, performers, and a fashion show that we invite the interested members of the board to. Central High School has also partnered with the American Red Cross to host our second successful blood drive of the school year and we held this on February 5th in collaboration with NHS, HOSA and Interact supporting as well. and for my position as co-president of Interact Club, we're currently collecting non-p perishable food items to
007donate to the Bridgeport Rescue Mission. Regarding winter sports, they're also in full swing. Several indoor track athletes have qualified for the state meets and our boys basketball team has already qualified for the state playoffs and our cheerleaders recently completed competed in the FCAK competition and will complete at SEAK later this month. Additionally, we are preparing for spring PSAT and SAT testing, completing winter growth assessments, encouraging students to use Reading Plus to improve literacy, and beginning scheduling for the 20 2026 2027 school year with continued expansion of the Bridge Public Schools career pathways. We're also planning a health fair next month and recent rec recently hosted a save a life tour presentation which is centered around safe driving for our seniors. And for upcoming events I know that in March Central looks forward to celebrating women's
008history month and for this we also plan to have a large scale presentation with guest speakers and a big celebration. Thank you for the opportunity to share these updates. We have one more in person and we'll go online. >> Good afternoon board members. My name is Anuj. I am the Fairchild Wheeler uh biotech student rep for 11th grade. So on January 15th we had our steam expo and that included capstone projects and science fair. Then we have a couple people that won science fair at school and that are going to go on to the district science fair. Uh we have some fundraisers for supporting our our uh senior class. We have one on February 26 and March 26th. Then we have uh biotech has has completed the magnet schools of America reertification and we were
009updated that we again have been recognized as a magnet school of distinction for 2026. Then on January 30th we had a blood drive where in total 25 pints of blood was collected. And on February 25th, we are going to have a Black History Month celebration and daily announcements highlights black historical figures. >> Thank you. >> Mr. Sakal. >> Yeah. You mentioned um fundraisers on February 26th and March 26th. Are there any locations set for those? >> Yes. Uh the February 26th one is at Buffalo Wild Wings in Milford Mall. It's from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. in store only. And then the March 26th one is at Panera Bread at in Shelton. It's from 4 to 8:00 p.m. in store. In store. Yes. >> Thank you. >> All right. We'll switch online. I see Janelo. >>
010Good evening everyone. I'm back. I'm Jon Resto. I'm a senior representative for Ferro Wheeler IT. And we had several IT students receive first place in the district science fair. For the 10th grade, we had Michaela, Brandon, and Allan. And for the 11th grade, we had Aiden, who was also first place winner with Michaela Aierum. In the National Center for Women in Technology aspirations in computing award was for Ali, Treasure, and Toi with an honorable mention to Jumanara and Yadam. Infoch has been named Magnet Schools of Excellence by Magnet Schools of America for 2026. And it has also launched a swag store where students and parents were able to purchase it themed clothing. Seniors also had the opportunity to purchase Fairchild weather with their senior themed clothing as well. With youthful impact, we will launch the
011career launchpad program beginning on February 17 where students will be able to gain tech skills, Google career certificate certificates, and receive job coaching and internship support. With the serve of the new semester, we introduced a new generative AI AWS cloud partner uh cloud practitioner course through partnership with Southern Connecticut State University and the workplace. With this course, students will be able to learn about the science and technology behind this growing field. This is a from Thank you. >> Thank you. And I see Deborah Graciano Brailva. Uh yes uh good evening I'm representing I'm representing Bridgeport Military Academy. So about the Navy JRTC program on January 13th to Navy JRTC completed its area manager inspections AMI the student staff and the area manager were pleased to have several board education members. the superintendent and member of
012his exec exec executionative cabinet in attendance fundraising. On January 15th, the Navy program hosted an inflatable obstacle course during period 4 and after school to support fundraising efforts efforts for the annual military navy ball and uniform distribution. last week and continuing through this week. Cadets begin receiving their second set of Navy type three uniforms. A third set is expected by the end of the month. Once distri distributed is completed, students will be fully outfitted in navy uniform attire except sneakers five days of five days a week reducing the financial financial burden of of families. Academic progress uh reading plus benchmark 2 completed rate was 99%. Data shows strong academic growth. 10% decrease in students reading five or more grades level below 3% increase students reading above grade level and 5% increase in students reading on
013grade level. About Khan Academy students continue to make progress towards their target units in preparing for the APU PSAT SAT administration. Ninth and 10th graders play second national nationally in this year's can a ton magnetic schools of America recognition. BMA submitted an application for national recognition and was awarded school of distinction by magnet school of America. So student activities and events January 16th band students under the direction of Mr. Vulpi held a after school concert on February 3rd. BMA held its monthly company competitions during advisory. Charlie Company comprise of juniors and seniors in the Navy program currently leads them leads the standing. February 5th, students in health class earn the first aid and CPR certifications. And last, upcoming events on Wednesday, February 11th, sweetheart deliveries, um February 12th and 16th, winter break students return Tuesday,
014February 7 17th, Thursday, February 19th, Navy Leadership Change of Command Ceremony. Friday, February's 27th, February Company competition, Stefano. And u Friday, February 27th, Valentine's Day. That's all. Thank you. Congratulations to both Fair Dear Child and BMA on those distinctions. Um, thank you to the students for joining us today. Um, the next item is public comment. We don't have anybody signed up, right? There's no one signed up for public comment today. So, we'll move on to the approval of the meeting minutes from the special meeting January 29th, 2026. Is there a motion to approve those? >> Moved by Mr. Benahan. Is there a second? >> Second by Mr. Medina. Um, is there any uh discussion on those? Seeing none, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? >> Right. That passes. Um,
015next we have the chairperson's report. Um, I don't have any further updates from the state um uh at this moment. Um, I did reach, just so the board knows, I did uh forward them or an email that we will begin our search committee. I invited them to participate with us. So, I'm waiting to hear back from uh the um commissioner's office on commissioner's office on that. Sorry, I'm battling a code. [sighs and gasps] Um, as far as um other updates, I met with uh Dr. Avery today we discussed um updating and Danielle discussed updating our our website or the policy section to clean it up a bit. Um that was one of the areas that the state was concerned about. It's very hard and difficult to find um current policies or just in general um
016the organization of it. So um I know Dr. Avery and his team is are they're going to be working on that in the next couple weeks. Um any questions for me Mr. Sakalovic? >> Yeah. Um, yeah. What? It's been a while since you emailed the state and you haven't gotten a response yet. >> I haven't gotten I've had them respond to knowledge to receive of it. So, yeah. >> Well, okay. Rather than wait for them to affirmatively respond, could we schedule a meeting and then let them know the meeting is taking place on this day and they're invited to join? Because if we wait for affirmative response, we may never get it. Thank you. Any other questions? We'll move on to committee reports. The first committee operations committee met last Wednesday um last Thursday, I'm
017sorry, and we discussed uh the budget for the 26 27 fiscal year. Um and that'll be on today's agenda. I know we discussed uh the schoolbased budget and the status quo budget. I know we we had a lot of conversation about that and today I know uh we'll be continuing that conversation. Um I'll take any referrals to the operations committee at this time. Seeing none, the next meeting is the first Wednesday of the month which will be the 4th March 4th. Instruction and support services committee. >> Instruction and support service committee meeting is the 4th Wednesday which would be the 25th. Uh I have nothing new to report since our last meeting. Um I received some referrals at the last meeting and um we'll take continue to take referrals um up until that meeting. Uh
018I will uh I think I failed to mention at our last meeting uh we I I we did mention that we had an excellent report and discussion on adulthood. Um we also want to explore in future meetings uh AI and uh begin to explore the use of cell phones in schools um which are both uh social hot topics. So >> that's it. >> Are there any referrals? >> Thank you. >> I got yours. >> Your next meeting is >> The 25th of February. >> All right. We're going to go on to policy committee. I do not see Mr. Witson online. I do know that um the policy committee will meet this Wednesday. Oh. Um we'll move on. We have some ad hoc committee reports. Mr. Traber, >> the ad the advocacy ad hoc committee met
019last Thursday for the first time. Um and um uh it we be it was a it was a rocky start uh is what I can best say. Um turnout wasn't what I had hoped in terms of public uh community parents and students. That's really the areas. We had administration. We had a good showing from the BEA. We want to get more other staff. Um and so but that's to be expected. We need to get out there more. The advocacy committee, we're trying something new. So I'm saying this here now. It is open to everyone. members of the community, um all members of the staff, uh students, um um you know, we want to build a strong group of people to advocate for our students. Um right now, uh there are last year we had trouble
020getting out this notion that the education cost sharing formula needed to be increased dramatically. Uh this year it's on everybody's uh lips up in Hartford. um uh from New London to Danbury to Stanford to Hartford to New Haven, they're all talking about it. Uh and there are multiple proposals popping up in the legislature from Republicans to Democrats about it. Um we three weeks ago were talking about trying to get one of our representatives in the legislature to introduce legislation and then suddenly there's legislation up the wazoo. It's not all good. Don't misunderstand. It's not all what we want. Um the basic understanding of what we want is we want legislation that says um for 13 years they have not increased the base rate the base rate of the education cost sharing formula. That formula is
021supposed to redistribute uh money to the poorer communities in the state which are mostly urban but there are some rural communities too um to help them afford a quality education for their students. Um that figure is $11,525 per student. It hasn't gone up in 13 years. During that time the cost of living has increased over 41%. So if you took that number and increased it for Bridgeport, that would mean we would get $16,500 per student. Well, that would be about $94 million more for the Bridgeport school budget. Here we are talking about $44 million to break even. That would be an extra $50 million to spend on our students. So that's the underlying simplification of the argument. There are variations and other thoughts to it, but that's the basic. And so, uh, uh, that's what
022we're fighting for in this legislature. Uh, it's a short session, which means there are 13 weeks from last Wednesday when the governor opened the session. The governor introduced his plans, his budget. when he spoke, his budget said that he would propose a blue ribbon panel by executive order to uh evaluate the ECS formula. Well, a blue ribbon panel is just fine, but if I could paraphrase an old saying from somewhere, we don't need no stinking blue ribbon panel. We need action now. That's what we need for our children. And so, that's the push. Uh we're working, as many of you know, with a group, statewide group called Connecticut for All. It's unions and community groups and churches. Uh there will be a training session for public speaking on Wednesday night from 5:30 to 6:30 online
023that people can sign up for. We're trying to get that word out. Uh if you need to know more, see me. Uh we're sharing it as much as we can. We'll be getting that out. If you can't make that, uh because it's the beginning of the holiday, long weekend, we get it. But the public hearing on the governor's proposed proposal is before the appropriations committee education subcommittee next Tuesday at 3:00. So they like us have these series of meetings on the governor's proposal, the appropriations committee. Um and that's next Tuesday. They'll be meeting with the state department of educa, the education department, other departments on the variations of the governor's proposal during the day and then at 3:00 there's a public hearing. So, we have to sign up the day before and you know the
024holiday is Monday, President's Day and many districts like ours have this extended weekend starting Thursday. Um, so it's going to be a difficult time. We are going to have this training on Wednesday. Uh there will be a way uh a link that we can give you for how to do testimony. I'm working with John Carlo and the the communications department to help with that and we will be uh have a team of people available as testimony helpers, multilingual lingual testimony helpers uh to help people. Testimony is essentially thank you chairs. Here's my story. Thank you chair. No, thank you chairs. Here's my position. Here's my story. Thank you, chairs. One page. Uh, it has to be submitted the day before, 24 hours before. Uh, and you can testify from the comfort of your home online
025or you can go up to Hartford and testify. Um, so, uh, that's our first focus. And then there's going to be an awful lot of of focused work over the next the short session is 13 weeks. So 13 weeks from last Wednesday. Uh so it'll go till about the uh first week in May. Uh second week in May, about the same time as the city budget is due. Um and um that's that'll be our focus for the next uh 3 months basically is to try and see if we can get the money we need um to increase and improve uh uh what we have, the resources we have to improve the education for our students. >> Thank you. Did I cover everything? >> Yes. Um I just want to acknowledge that Mr. Daniels has also
026joined the meeting >> online. Uh >> yeah, but it was a very productive meeting. Um I just would like to refer today I watched a bit of the education committee. They did refer the draft language and was approved to create draft language for the rest of the bill because right now it was just a placeholder paragraph and they're going to be voting on a draft language, but they did not include a number. It was approved unanimously to get the draft language. So I would like us to by the next meeting hopefully to have the draft language and we could pick it apart for the ECS increase foundation so one >> you're referring to multiple bills >> right? No they just a placeholder boil the plate raise the ECS foundation amount and then draft the language
027around that. So I'm guessing they're going to try to coalesce all those bills together which range from no number to up to 18,000. >> That's the education committee. >> Correct. >> This is not this is the appropriation committee, >> right? >> The subcommittee is education but in the appropriation committee, >> but that's that's the bill that's going to be forwarded through. So that's something we got to watch as well. So, I would like to refer that bill to our committee for a dissection before we get decide decide about >> to get behind something and look for any poison pills that are included within the bill. >> Yeah, we're going to have to keep an eye on a whole bunch of things. So, I don't disagree. >> Okay. >> I'm trying to right now we need
028to focus on the hearing next Tuesday and getting the testimony in. >> Absolutely. >> Yeah. >> And the next meeting date is on the 20 something. the meet. We will be meeting um Thank you. Uh the next meeting date is scheduled for uh Tuesday the 24th. >> Thank you. Um the other ad hoc committee which hasn't met yet, but I just want to announce who is on it. I just I failed to do that on the last meeting. U Mr. Benan will chair that committee on the facilities master plan and Mr. Traber and Mr. Kovic will both be on it. Um Mr. Benahan will come back next meeting with the date. Um um the K report. Miss Estra Mayor Himenez, have you received anything as a leazison? >> If not, I'll double check with Cab.
029>> No, I have not. They've sent a few emails about um trainings for financial and budgeting um that's taking place every month. One um in January, one in February, and another one in March. um that's primarily for newer board members. Um and then they've been sending policy highlights, one of which I um referred to the policy um committee as a referral, but that's all I've gotten so far. >> Thank you. We'll move on. Yes, Mr. Chamber. >> Yeah, I I I didn't mention I I should have and it's a question for u Miss uh uh Mr. Mayor Jimenez. Um I do know and I reported at our meeting on Thursday that on Friday and today there were meetings with the Connecticut Education Association, the American Federation of Teachers, the two teacher unions and CABE and
030CAPSUS, the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendent to discuss the various efforts to improve the ECS. So, it would be important to try and not just wait for them to tell us, but to sort of to the extent we can get a sense of what they're what they're hearing, what they're doing on ECS. >> Thank you. We move on to the superintendent report. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I have a couple things I want to kind of just emphasize. Uh, first of all, I want to kick it off by recognizing the signs for appreciation. I know I have uh Porsche Scott. I know um Mr. um Tito was there with them. They had a lot of the other uh support staff helping her. But I want to kind of make sure that I uh extend
031a great opportunity that the science fair was at the University of Bridgeport last week. Uh some of the highlights, we had 275 students participate. Uh 45 judges representing a wide range of of professions from across uh the state of Connecticut that volunteered their time. uh had 43 students qualify for advanced uh advancement to the state uh science fair competition at Quinnipek University. And again, we had 15 teachers receive classroom funding from state science fair program as a result of uh their participation and selection of their students. I want to thank you again. So, let's give them a round of applause. Of course, you did a lot of work trying to get all that worked out. So, [laughter] so thank you very very much for that. I had a chance to go myself to kind of
032um see some of the the the work that the students have done and just really listening and and hearing them talk about their projects was amazing. Uh some of their thought process was a little bit different so you had to kind of pull the questions out of them a little bit but it worked out really well. So thank you Porsche for um engaging us on that. Um the other two items is really uh touching off of what Mr. Traver talked about. The appropriations committee public hearing is uh is on Tuesday, February 17th. U again um it's it's it's very critical that we have the opportunity to to collectively come together to advocate for dollars. Uh and so we're trying to make this as easy as possible for our community members. Uh I know I'm pushing
033my staff. Uh we should be able to get testimony from every single principal in this district, every single central office administrator in this district, board members uh and parents. Guys, we have to make sure our presence is known regarding, you know, making sure that we can tap into these funding sources. And so, whatever we got to do, we're going to do it for you to make it easier for you students. We want you guys to to also have the ability to kind of uh advocate and write letters uh on behalf of the district and your fellow students as well. Uh so we're going to set that up for you as well here. Uh and we're going to go over a little bit of some things that that I feel is going to be very important
034as we move this forward. Uh the other thing that I want to emphasize is that we are we have a budget advocacy manual that we're going to be putting out. Uh and in this advocacy manual, there's a variety of different things that are going to be very important to our community. Uh you know, uh uh here is the table of contents of of that particular manual. It just really kind of sets out exactly how and what's in the manual so that you can kind of see and not have to kind of second guess as to uh where you where you need to be. We also have an easy um email um uh QR code that we're going to be um uh pushing out there. So, if you see the the QR code, you can take
035a picture of it. Uh it goes directly into your email account uh and and all you have to do is dress the uh the letter on your behalf uh and it'll be ready to go. It's that simple for you. Uh and so uh it's uh the communications uh team will probably be changing this letter you know every couple of days due to the fact that sometimes when you get spam email well not spam email but a lot of emails coming through your inbox uh you know they can set up a a a uh what you call that Tim >> a rule to to to block those emails to move them into another folder so if you change it you know we can kind of beat the system to where it's always having to do that
036every couple of days. So, so we have a strategy that the communications department is working on to to really work through all of that as well. Uh and and overall, I think you will be really, you know, happy and and this will help support the advocacy movement across this district. Again, we want you to take full advantage of this opportunity. Uh and if you don't if you need help, uh we're here to help you. the communications department, my office, uh, someone will get in front of the and get get on a phone call with you to walk you through whatever you need. We need more. And just tell your neighbors, tell your your brothers and sisters, aunt and uncles to to get online to kind of help us promote uh, and get these letters written
037out because the more we have uh, the more impact that is going to be for us. And so uh, you know, principles, I'm encouraging you to have all your teachers uh, write letters. again, all of my uh I know all my cabinet if they're not writing letters, they're going to be testifying live. So, uh we're willing to be able to step up and do that as well. Uh and sometimes the um the advocacy p especially when you're doing testimony, sometimes it goes late into the evening time before you're able to get a time. Uh but uh it's still okay. You can still do it from the uh convenience of your home. Uh and most of it is just an online testimony. It could be as long as as short as you want it, but there
038is a timeline on it. So, they will kind of uh rush you to get through your time, but that's okay. If you got a if you get a twominut, you know, opportunity to say, "Our kids need this funding," that's all you have to do. Uh, and so we want to encourage everyone to be able to do that. Again, uh, mentor, that's I'll take any questions if you have it. Um, I just want to be clear that there are two kinds of advocacy that we're going to be providing you through this link. When Sean Carlo and I looked at it on Friday afternoon with um um Miss Erra Jimenez and a member of the community, what we had on there were letters for lobbying. And that certainly is one important thing. writing to your elected rep
039and your elected state senator. Um, when we met the other night, we talked with the leaders from the BEA. Many of their members, uh, you know, I'd say probably twothirds of the members of the BEA live outside the district. Um, and they can influence those elected officials in other cities and towns. Um, so writing a letter to your elected official about why it's important. Um, and then about Mr. uh, Sakalovic just mentioned, um, keeping an eye on certain bills. Um, and that's what we'll have to do throughout this. Um, and writing about that bill or a bill and what's going on with a bill, uh, throughout this process. Um, so that's one aspect is writing a letter to your elected person and saying, "Hey, I live in your district. I vote for you and you
040know I want you to listen to me. That's important whether you call them or write them. That's important because they rely on your vote. Um so that was one form. Testifying is a different thing. You don't have to be in their district. There's a committee of people who are hearing and listening and they take it into account. You write your testimony whether you be there or not be there. It gets submitted the day before. the the committee staff collate all that stuff into a big packet and and the conscientious members of the committee and there are a lot of them look at all those testimonies before they sit down to hear them. And those of us who have done this before will sit sometimes for four or five hours waiting our turn to testify. Um
041though if we get some students to go up, we can frequently get those students uh you know they'll allow us to let them cut the line because they recognize these youngsters got to go home and do their homework. Um so that's a an possibility but those of us sitting at home have often sat at home till 10 or 11 at night to before we get our turn to testify. Um, so that's a different thing and that's a a statement which is really important. What you're trying to say is here's why I care about these children and them getting the resources they need to testify. Whether it's I have a child in kindergarten and they need a parah or uh the library is really important to me or art is really important or theater. Whatever your
042story is, that's really important. And you don't have to be the most eloquent person in the world to write about that. you're telling your story. That's what's most important. Um, so, um, but I do also want to say that one of the things that I've learned is this group that I'm talking about, these education subcommittee of appropriations, when they come to deciding what they're going to put forward in appropriations, what matters to them the most is how many calls they got, how many people that they hear from. they meet to decide what they're going to push out of this education group. The question they ask is how many people did they hear from? So, how many calls can we generate to this group of people? And if they say, "Ah, I didn't hear from anybody."
043Ah, [clears throat] it doesn't matter. There it goes. Not not whether this is a righteous issue or not, just whether or not people were pushing it. And so that's going to be really important for us to monitor it, know when they're going to be sitting down to decide this and generate the ability to generate calls. So all that stuff is going to matter. So we got to be a lean mean fighting machine and communications has got to be really on top of it with our lobbying group. So that was what I wanted to add. >> Anyone else? Thank you, Dr. Moving on to new business. The first item is the approval of the Bridgeport Public Schools debate leagues trip to Boston March 5th through 8th, 2026 to participate in the Boston Debate Leagues tournament at
044Boston Latin Academy. Uh this is John Winthrop in the Discovery Magnet. >> I move to approval. >> Mr. Traver moves to approve this. Is there a second? Second by Mr. Benahan. Any further questions? I think Mr. Rapise might be online if we have questions. Seeing none. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? All right. They're going to Boston. Um the next item is the approval of the interd district magnet school. Discovery magnet schools June 1st through 3rd 2026 overnight field trip to outdoor classroom in Irvington, Connecticut. Is there a motion? Moved by Mr. Ben and seconded by Mr. Treyber. Um any questions debate? Mr. Chabberg, >> uh your microphone >> for the sake of the people in this room. This was all presented to my committee uh a week and
045a half ago. Um so the reason we're being quick about this is any questions or discussion was had at the ISS committee at the end of January. So we're not being flippant or irresponsible. We're just trying to be efficient here. Any further questions? All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Any abstensions? >> The next one is the approval of the Inter District Discovery Magnet Schools May 13 through 15, 2026 overnight field trip to Washington DC. >> So move, Mr. Ben. >> Move by Mr. Benahan. >> Second by Mr. Traver. Go quicker. Go quicker. All right. Um, any further questions on that? All in favor say I. >> I. I >> any opposed? Any abstensions? All right. Thank you, Mr. Ramos for joining us. See my online. All right. Next item is
046approval of the Louis Mun Munoz Min and John Winthrup's March 30th to April 1st, 2026 overnight field trip to the outdoor classroom in Iverton, Connecticut. >> So move, Mr. Ben. >> Moved by Mr. Ben, seconded by Mr. Traver. >> Any questions? All in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? Any questions? Oh. Oh, I I heard you said. Okay. Um, all righty. I think that's all the field trips. >> Did anyone abstain to that one? >> Okay. >> No, they're off. >> Thanky. Moving on, we have approval of goal book for um special education IEP development and progress monitoring. Good evening. Um I am coming to you and thank you for the opportunity to request approval for from the full board to purchase goal book using funds from the seed grant. Go book is a
047platform that integrates uh goal development, instructional strategies, and progress monitoring for our students with disabilities. And the current request, I know in the committee meeting there was a question about the uh amount. So what you have in your packet is an updated quote that includes the uh spring uh access during the summer and for next school year. Any [clears throat] questions? 200 2008 250 200,000 I'm sorry. [laughter] >> All right. >> Yes. 28,250 Mr. Calvin, put your hand up. >> Is there a motion? Anyone else? Uh, it is on page five. the chair. >> I'll make the motion as I'm going to move to approve gold book special education IP development and progress monitoring development. >> Is there a second? Second, Mr. You had a question for Okay. Is that today's print out? >> Is
048that print out from today? >> Okay, it's page five. it will cover uh effective as soon as we sign the contract through June 30th 2027. So it would be for this spring. It would allow teachers to have access during the summer as well as uh next school year. >> So from now through the next fiscal year. >> Yes. >> And do we have it currently now? >> Are they going to expand our We do not currently have this program but uh we did do a demo and teachers have uh actually our last professional development day provided professional development with with this instrument >> and there were 30 teachers if I recall. So on the demo, the day of the demo, there were 39 teachers and also speech language pathologists were included. We've also completed a
049demo and professional development with our district supervisors and directors of uh social work and uh speech language pathology and school psychology as well. Madam Chair, >> I would I would just like to add one of the one of the the uh special ed compliance issues that we have in the district is really driven by the development of the IEPs and how we monitor those IEPs. And so, uh, when when when Michelle and I looked at some of the, um, concerns that was brought up by state complaints, a lot of it evolves around that. So, one of the things that we we thought about is how do we develop that the skill set of the individuals that are developing those IEPs? Uh, and so, uh, this tool will be able to have a little bit more
050flexibility, uh, and, um, substance in the development of those IEPs. So, I think that's that's really something that we feel as as we looked at the seed grant application and how we enhance our special education workforce, this is one of the ways to be able to do that. So, we're hoping to see some really good um return on the investment with with with uh the help of this IP development tool and the monitoring side of it. >> Progress monitoring. Absolutely. >> Other questions? All in favor say I. Yeah. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Eyes have it. >> Thank you. >> Um the next item is the approval of the high school replacement statistics books and lab license. Your microphone. >> It's been moved by Mr. Traber. >> Is there a second? >> Hello. >> Second,
051Mr. Benham. Go ahead, Miss. This item is for $56,592.79. There it is. It's a uh textbook replacement teacher edition and a six-year my math lab license for high school statistics. These are books that we already use that were just replacing those that have been um torn up for lack of a better word. Yes. >> Thank you. There's been a motion and a second. Any questions? Okay. Any further questions? All in favor say I. I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Thank you. This is item G, H, and I. These are multilingual learner resources. Uh oh, by the way, the the uh uh statistics books were part of the alliance grant. They were included and approved as part of that grant. The uh item G is for the Sengage K8 uh ESL resource. This is for our
052uh our students uh who work with pullout resource staff. They include um consumables, digital access, teacher and teacher additions as well. It's for a term for one year. Uh you have in your in your packets three invoices of 92,216 91719,963 for a total 303 303,880. This money was or the these books were included in the title three and the state bilingual grants approved by the state. >> Is there a motion for item G? Approve of the Sgage K12 ESL resource. >> Motion to approve item G the Sengage K to2 ESL resource. >> Second. >> Mr. Benning has seconds it Mr. Sakovic has make a motion to go first. >> Yeah. Um quick quick question about how heavily is it weighted towards online resources? >> It's hard copy consumables as well, >> right? But yeah, >>
053the kids will all have hard hard copies of the for the work that they're going to do, but they also there also is online access. >> Yeah. The reason I'm asking is because we're going to be moving away from computers if we lack funds to have the computers. So, I'm just wondering if there will be a like if we're not a onetoone district and we're sharing computers everywhere, if we're relying heavily on computerized programs, >> they don't have that access. It's just something I want to keep in mind >> as we go forward. So, >> this is hard copy. >> Most is >> hard copy and primarily the teachers would use it, but the teachers also have teacher editions and planners and all that good. >> Thank you. >> Any further questions? Seeing none, all
054in favor say I. I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Next item, approval of the Sgage Lyft High School Curricular Resource. Is there a motion? >> So moved. >> Moved by Mrs. Calvik. Second, Mr. Medina. >> You got it. [laughter] Any further questions on that one? All in favor? Say I. Uh. Any opposed? Any abstensions? Last item, approval of the learning. A to Z renewal title three. Is there a motion? >> Moved by Mr. Medina, seconded by Mr. Benahan. Any further questions? Seeing none, all in favor say I. >> Any opposed? >> Any abstensions? Thank you, Miss Hughes. All right. So, now we're going to go into discussion and possible action on the proposed fiscal year 2627 budget. This item was um discussed in committee last week and the board um wanted to see further numbers
055I think from Dr. Ay's team. Yeah. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I think one of the for the audience, I think one of the things that the board is was wanting us to do after my presentation uh last week is to go back and look at some of the the things that the district cut uh over the last 10 to 12 years uh all the way back from 2013. uh in order for for them to um consider bringing some of the things that were cut back into play in this budget proposal. Uh and so uh one of the things that myself and staff have done is really went back and looked at you know some of the positions that were uh originally on um provided by the district and then over the over the over
056the period of time was cut by the district for whatever reasons. Uh lack of funding um uh just a variety of different other other ways. But uh what we have done for the board uh this evening is uh under separate cover. You guys should have uh received this document uh we finished it you know pretty late this afternoon but we I wanted to make sure that we put it in the in the portal for you to kind of see uh some of the things that um like uh instructional coaches. Uh the district used to have instructional coaches at every single campus in the district back in uh a few years back. Uh so we we brought those things back into play uh with a cost factor to it as well. Uh we talked a little
057bit about technology. If we're going to refresh technology, what is that going to look like? What is that going to cost? librarians, STEM teachers, homeschool and attendance, you know, um uh specialists, interventionists, uh you know, um in school suspension, you know, um uh monitors at every single campus, uh BC, BCB, BCBAS, uh we had after school programs, before school programs, just a variety of different things that, you know, due to funding um limitations, we as a district uh eliminated the positions and so uh again under separate cover we added another $40 million to play for considerations for the board to consider. Um again it was just more of uh you wanted to see some of the data sources and some of the positions that were cut. Uh and so we we put a dollar amount
058to them. Some of them we also put a status uh if it it was a need or was it cut um or was it an addition then it was cut. Uh so we put that information for the board as well to consider. Uh and so I'll I'll open it up for any additional clarifying questions that are needed. >> Mr. [clears throat] the the data you gave is great. Um think we should start discussing the numbers. So, I'll start off this off by making a motion to approve a budget of requests of 102,205 200 additional budget requests, excuse me, of 102,205,783. And if I get a second, I could explain in a moment where I got that number from. >> Mr. Medina, second that. >> Where where I got that number from is Dr. Taby gave
059us this paper with all the position. This is just positions we've lost. This is not including a lot of the programming we've cut. So if we make up for all all the programming we have to increase for more than that. But um where I got where I got the where I got the number from is added Dr. Mr. Unquo had um given us a piece of paper with an additional $477,000. I don't believe that has been included in this just yet or has it? It has >> has not. So that that accounts for the increased cost of the >> Seymour's Seymour's pension increase, >> right? And >> the state pension board, >> right? And >> right and and just just for clarity, since in 2016, we cut 130 positions. 17 to 18, 60 positions. 18
060to 19, 41 positions. 19 to 20 12 positions. These were clerical, security guards, like um paraprofessionals. We still haven't gotten all them back yet. Um resource officers, literacy coaches, math coaches, a whole plethora of things that these are not luxuries. This is something other districts have. And this is not including the positions we cut just recently in the last round of cuts. We've had extensive cuts in the last two years. We have a district that has currently no librarians. This is not a crazy request. They're going to look at us like, "Oh, wait. They'll never get $12 million." But if we don't ask for what we deserve, we will never get it. Our children deserve more than the status quo. Our children deserve to get every single thing back that they lost for $102 million.
061Let us not be the ones to under ask what our children deserve because if we don't ask for it, we can't say they didn't give it to us. We asked for it, they cut it down. And this is basically the city request which we can amend later going forward. If the state, God bless them, gives us $100 million, we could reduce our request to the city to $2 million to make it up. But I don't want to not ask for it. To clarify, you're saying this is your city request? >> Well, no, this is what we're proposing the operating budget. This is going into the what you call it the city budget portal. >> Okay. Miss Storm May. >> Yeah. I had a quick clarifying question. So, out of all these in this Excel sheet,
062I just wanted there was an $8 million from the feedback that we got from principles. Um, and I wanted to make sure that we weren't double counting um, [clears throat] roles. >> Yeah, >> we're not double counting actually. What what what Mr. Sakovic part of the 61 million is it was that $8 million is included into that, Mr. Menz. Uh, you know, but the there's an additional $40 million with the request at at the top of that spreadsheet. And that's kind of what he's adding in addition to the $400,000 that was just given to him to uh to the board by Mr. Nquo. >> Hope that clarified. >> Yes, definitely. Thank you, >> Mr. Traver. >> Okay. So, the these are not all staff positions. Contrary to what Mr. just said these the there are
063non staff on this list. Technology is not staff is it? >> Okay. The second item on the list, Mr. Salivic is not staff. You you made the motion before we could ask questions about it. So, having made the motion, I would like to >> Pardon me. >> Yeah, the motion was for a number. That's not going to change the number any. Well, yeah. I I just wanted to make sure that I understood what it was about before I acted on it. Um, and so I wanted to be clear. The technology would be I'm I'm I'm guessing uh laptops and things like that >> to refresh everything, teacher laptops, laptops, and then having some contingency for >> computers and things like that after. Okay. Um, and then when we say I see in your explanation rather
064than going back to 2013 for positions that were cut, we looked at resources in place and district needs to complete the additional request list, some of these items were previously cut while others were not. So, our home school coordinators on here >> homeschool in attendance are home school coordinators. >> Yes. >> And that's all they are. That's all that is. I I'm asking those 39 positions are home school coordinators. Okay, that's You just used a different term. I'm sorry. I wanted to make sure I understood what it was. [clears throat] >> Oh, pause. You have to pass the mic down. >> Yeah, >> we thought that combining the homeschool with the attendance monitoring would be a >> better use >> a better use of the funds. >> Okay. Um and the interventionists uh I'm sorry
065the um additional instructional coaches 61 um are we putting some in some schools more than one and not to be corrected by Mr. Karafa again um is this uh literacy and um numerousy >> correct? >> Did I get it right Mr. Grapha? Thank you sir. >> Um so would that be one in every school of each? >> Initially we put uh in the 8 million that's in the 61.6 million we included 19 coaches. This is the additional we would need in order to have one ELA and one math coach in every school in the district. >> So when it says 61 up here, it's 61 plus 19. >> 19. Correct. >> Plus 19. >> We didn't want to double count. >> No, no. I I I listen I I just had a lot of these
066little questions and we jumped. I want to make sure I understand what we're voting on before I So it's 19. That would be 80 new coaches. Okay. So, but every school is going to have one of each. >> So, the bigger schools are going to be understaffed and the smaller schools are going to be overstaffed. >> We'll work out the details. >> Okay. Um, and the librarians, that's one librarian per school, >> correct? >> Okay. [snorts] um STEM teachers. Can you explain that to me? >> We have a grant with the Wallik Foundation for the STEM center STEM labs in every school and we want to have teachers that can be dedicated full-time to teach it >> or to use the labs. Okay. Uh interventionists 120. >> Yes. We figured three to four inter depending
067on the size of the school the number would vary but for every school to have interventionists >> and can you elaborate on that? We looked at a K uh an intervent per school, a K2 3 uh K2, 35, and a 68 at the elementary. And then uh different different >> social interventionists. >> No, no, these are academic interventionists, tier three academic interventionists. >> How does that how does that differ than from a coach? >> Coaches coach teachers. They support principles and teachers whereas an interventionist does small groupoup instruction with children. >> So this is um I I don't mean to be uh simple but this is a tutor. This is a somebody that's working directly with the student. >> They'll yes they'll work with the general ed teacher who will direct them in what the
068students need. Would that be with a group of students too? >> Small group. Yes. >> We'd be maximizing their efficiency by banning them by grade ban. >> And so when I see psychologists, um, counselors, I don't see any social workers here. Are we not increasing social workers? >> We included social workers in the 8 million. >> Okay. And no more. Okay. >> In in addition to the C grant as well, we've added some social workers in that as well. >> So, how many social workers was that? I just off the top of my head because I don't have it right in front of me. >> CR Yeah, in the C grant we have what? >> Three the C grant and then there's >> two more in the 8 million. >> Yeah, in the 8 million
069as well. >> So, two more in the 8 million. So there was an additional five >> and five new social workers. Do you think enough >> based on our discussion with the uh >> department the 20 school psychologists Sorry, could you repeat that? >> The 20 school psychologists. Sorry, I'm having trouble going across. Yeah, 20 school psychologists. >> Yes, those those were in addition to what we already have. >> And where would they be placed? >> Across schools based on need. >> Um, the ISS. We're returning to the ISS. Um, >> currently I think we only have nine. Yes, >> we have nine ISS. And so some schools will only have somebody for one day a week >> as opposed to full time. >> So this would be allowing us to return to the model
070we had a couple of years ago. >> Correct. >> Where we had somebody who knew how to run an ISS room >> in every school. Um the 10's C counselors filling a >> do we have did we were we adding counselors in the other >> we did we added counselors in the 8 million based on our work with the principles and then we went back and reconvened and looked at what would we need to >> what were we adding in the 8 million I apologize I don't have it >> I pull it out >> I believe it's I believe it's three, but I can check on that for you. It was in the other category with the 18 in the 18. There were some notes below on that counselors in the 8 million. >> Yeah,
071I'm just getting it out. I see it. Yeah. specialist >> at the bottom. >> Oh, you've added footnotes. I'm looking at the original. Sorry. Under the other positions, there's five counselors. So, it's 5 + 10 now. >> Correct. >> Okay. PCBA. What's PCBA? Those are behavior uh therapists that work with our students. They uh go go between schools on an as needed basis. the before school programs. We run those. Some schools have it who have like our commissioner network schools. Roosevelt has a before school program that they use with their SIG funds. This and it really is very valuable to the community for parents who have to get to work before 9:00. They can drop the kids. questioning that. I just was sort of thinking that before school programs used to be run by lighthouse.
072>> No, after school. >> No. And before >> some schools have it, >> right, PJ? >> Yes. >> Thank you. I'm not nuts. >> So now we're running before school programs. >> Well, we would like to give everyone the >> We don't have enough to be able to kind of receive kids early morning. So this will give an opportunity for for campuses to have that before school activities in order to make sure that we can receive the kids earlier so the parents can get to work sooner. That's all that is. >> Well, I know how it works. I'm I'm just And so now we're going to be bearing the burden of these programs. >> Well, you talk about, you know, you want got you things that we cut and things we want to bring back
073is really what we're trying. >> No, it's not a matter of we cut and bring back. I just want to point out that over the years we had a huge fight and Mr. Sakaliva may have been around at the time at Johnson School when we were talking about cutting lighthouse or charging lighthouse a lot more money. very volatile issue. Huge people screaming, people shouting um because we wanted to charge Lighthouse more rent. Ah, >> this is proposing our teachers. >> No, no, I understand. But this is, you know, cuz light after school and before school programs were offered in our facilities and we weren't charging much and we wanted to increase the amount we were charging because we were laying off our staff and our programs and those programs weren't increasing the amount we charge
074to use them. I remember sitting in my classroom and they would use my classroom after school for tutoring and I'd sit in there trying to get work done while they somebody was out of had out of control students running around my classroom. Um so it was a point of contention because mine was a first floor classroom. Um so it was you know it was often a and so we've it seems that we've sort of acquired these programs as our responsibility fiscally um is what you're telling me and right and I know that it's been over the years an issue where at one point the board did find another provider and then it blew up. So now it's just sort of okay, we're going to we're going to do a before school program at $800,000 expense.
075Um so I'm just pointing this out. Uh human resources, five new positions. I get that. Um content, what are the human resource positions for? I'm sorry. >> We looked at Sorry. We looked at comparable districts. Uh I'm clear. >> For instance, Hartford has 13 full-time human resource positions in central office. We have currently three. So these would be to support uh staff members. We have almost 3,000 staff members to give them support um and just take care of their, you know, needs throughout the year. They would be um support level positions. [snorts] content directors, >> social studies, and the arts. >> I'll be Dan, >> social studies director again. >> Well, we tried to do a humanities director and that didn't work with the union, so our wish list is to get a full-time social
076studies director. >> Um, it is that additional staff for you, PJ. after school. This 200 after school positions >> 200 after school was an estimate that we did across all the schools with a $1,500 stipen per the contract. >> And is this lighthouse? >> No. >> What is it? >> It would be different clubs. Uh many of our schools already through through the school grants. Um, what's executive director? >> It would be replacing the third executive director that was let go last year, >> data management, your your department. Yep. Finance. We need an we need a actually I don't have a secretary administrative assistance. Oop, sorry. We only have two fin two three people in the finance department doing all the work compared to other cities. Hartford has about 10 employees in the finance department.
077I have no further questions. Madam sure. >> Yeah. I'm trying to understand When the board votes, who am I requesting the 100 million from? The state or the city? >> There's your motion. >> Yes, we are asking for you to request that the city put in their what's that portal called? the >> mun in munness a number reflecting aund 2,25,783 dollar increase to the budget. >> Okay. >> Subject to revision further down the road. If we do not need as much, we will revise our request lower. Does that make sense? If I understand it, currently the general fund budget on the city side is $245 million. So, um, if I put 102 million, we're going up to 300 and something million dollars in total. >> Correct. It's a last escalate. >> I just wanted I
078wanted to make sure I'm representing or requesting what the board is going to vote on that that just clarification. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Benahan. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, Dr. Avery, I know the last time we talked about the power professional in the home school, but I have a question and nobody asked for that, but I don't know where it can be. custodians really really you know we need custodians in the room sometime one custodian is doing the job of three or four people at the same time and and you know my respect for all the custodian but really we need to think about it you know I don't know how but yeah I just put it you know bring it to the table because very important to get custodians because
079you know you see what's going on this morning and you know sometime custodian has to stop what they're doing to run to another school because it's emergency uh the other thing is about security cameras. That's another thing that why we know that some cameras they're not working very well. I just put it for you. I'm not saying go, you know, say yes, but we need that because sometime is sad that one let's see one just one camera is like a more than $100,000 and we know that um and take forever to fix it to be done to be sure. Why is this is very important? because we be sure our kids you know is safety but um everything is important but want to part of the custodians is very important because I know it's not
080easy what this old gentleman they do you know the teen Mr. Garcia you know and I'm be witness and you know we all know that so I just want to put it that for you thank you thank you mad >> and just for clarity I mean Mr. Garcia is probably has a number, but I don't know if he got the number to us before we were getting here, but he's he's been talking a little bit about making sure that we our maintenance staff, custodial staff are well taken care of and making sure that we don't have to kind of overstretch them to get the work done. So, we'll we'll gladly bring that back through George uh to make sure that we have >> Yeah, it was a whirlwind trying to get the schools open and
081all that. So, it just didn't get to us. >> Mr. Chabber. >> Yeah. I I actually would like to ask uh Mr. Nquo um the question he asked Mr. Sakalovic. Um how do we figure that out? Um, I know last week when we discussed that, uh, February 7th was the deadline and we gotten a 2-day extension and we would sit down tonight and come up with the budget and we were going to put in um, other items uh, that we thought were necessary. >> Um, and we discussed what those would be um, as we went forward to uh, do battle for moral resources for our students. um with the state and with the city and I don't know how we decide what we ask of the city and what we ask of the state. Frankly,
082I don't know how. So, we've got a budget that says, okay, we need two we need 44 million more to break even. >> That's correct. And then we want to ask for an increase of um 6668 68 million more um in improvements. Now how do we aortion what part of that comes from the city and what part of that comes from the state sir? And I don't know the answer to that. So you tell me. We we say okay um um we're going to ask the city for 20 million of that and the state for 48 million of that. I is there some rhyme or reason to deciding that >> through through madam chair that's why I was trying to get a clarification as to what am I requesting from the city I mean from
083what I understand sick is indicated request the whole 102 million additional $102 million from the city with hopes that you help me out Mr. Sakovic I mean Mr. >> Yes. Thank you. Well, to be clear, when the state correct me if I misspe at all, feel free to jump in. >> When the city comp does its budget, >> yes, >> included in their budget is the state alliance grants. They count that in their budget and the state alliance and ECS. It's counted in the city budget as a pass through. >> That is correct. >> Then they pass that money through to us. >> Yes. So when that money passes through, if $40 million extra passes through the Alliance ECS and we want them to deliver us $122 million, their portion that they would have to
084add would be $80 million. The same if they have a hundred million from the state, then their portion to pass through would be $22 million. So it's all encompassed in that one single budget. >> Yes. >> Did I adequately? >> Yes. If if I may, Madam Chair, it's only applicable if the state is changing the ECS formula. If they're not changing the ECF formula, they can equally give you extra money through alliance alliance money, which does not come as a pass through through the city. It's a matter of where you hedge it, where you put the money. I mean, you can make your statement by putting $102 million in the city budget. I mean, I'm going to be very honest with everyone. The city is just going to reverse it because they cannot afford 102
085million. So, they're just going to give you what they want to give you. Be it 4 million, be it 5 million, be it 10 million. That's all they're going to recommend. So, the rest will just >> be ignored. >> And and and to be honest, sir, so you're asking a rhetorical question because we've done that dance. >> That's correct. >> For many, many, many years. That is correct. >> Yeah. >> So, we're going to I now understand between the two of you that we're going to submit a budget that's got $102 million >> addition >> in additional requests. >> Yes. >> And that presumes that we're going to get uh a hundred million from the state and we only need two million from the city. >> Um or you know actually using the number I'll
086use my number. >> We're going to get 9 million 94 million from the state. >> Right. the the the cost of living adjustment and we will need 8 million from the city. >> Okay, that's >> that's what it presumes. >> Yeah, >> just >> I got it. >> Okay, >> so the cost of living would be 94 million. We'd need 8 million more from the city. >> Okay, >> and so that's what we're presuming. Now, Mr. Sakalovic uses a slightly higher number that would actually get 101 million from the state and we would only need 1 million from the city. But it would be nice if the city gave us 5 million and then we could buy even more for the students. That's correct. >> Like uh you know other other uh uh enhancements to
087their education. But >> with that's the dance that we do. Um and in the end uh if we are low in our projections for what we would like and we get extra money from the city and the state, well who benefits? The students. Oh my gosh. >> Through madam through Madam Chair, if I may make a suggestion, >> heaven forbid. >> If I may make a suggestion, Madam Chair, it's probably, in my opinion, it's probably more ideal to use a round number. If you're asking one 102 million, we ask. If we're asking for 103 million, we ask for $13 million even instead of counting 102 $350,000. I mean, >> what would you what would you recommend, Mr. to grow >> the closest number that the board wants 102 103 whatever just make it a round
088number is what I'm saying 102 million $103 million even number >> motion to amend the budget >> everybody will remember the number >> motion to amend the budget increase to $103 million >> amendment was made by Mr. Kovic second by Mr. Pina, sorry, forgot your name for a minute. Um, any further discussion based on the >> She's checking her sensory perception. >> Yes, it's hard out here. Um, so current debate is on the amended motion and then we'll go back to the main motion. Any further on amended motion 103? >> Okay, that makes sense. Yes, madam chair. Thank you very much. I did have my hand raised but it was a lot of going on. Um under after school I know most of these numbers on the first numbers those are positions as far as
089the numbers. So 61 39 38 I see at 200 here that consider hours or what is that was that 200 people? Yeah, those would be teachers across the district. >> Okay. No, was that word like they Okay. >> Gotcha. I was like 200. I said, "Whoa." Okay. Um, so those numbers represent individuals. Same thing with the uh the school program. It says before school program, the 84, that's the same thing. >> They're paid hourly based on the contract. >> Okay. So 42 an hour, hour and a half a day for seven and a half hours for the week. >> Oh information, Mr. Traber 200 be like the chess club or the some other club after school? >> No, I got I just wonder if the number 200 is were their positions. What was it? because
090I know some of them have different clarification and I definitely had the same question that uh Mr. Benahham had because I don't see anything in here. I know we cut some positions for buildings and facilities and I didn't see anything in here about that department and it, you know, draws some concern to me because again, um, they're the ones that with, you know, we depend on for certain things, a lot of things in the district and with our buildings and I know they're running on a skeleton crew. So, I didn't see anything. So, I know you mentioned something already. So, I appreciate >> George just gave me a number that's 3.2 million. >> So, 3.2 two encompasses staffing along with increases due to service contracts for the work we've done over the years with ESSER
091and grant funding. So, it's uh backing up the investments we made over time. So, um with that information, Mr. Sarak, go ahead. I just would like to make an amendment to the motion to add that dollar amount and since we're working on round numbers we to make the budget for 105 million just to make sure that >> 106 >> you want to go thank you very much we'll make that motion to 106 representative and I want everyone to understand that's listening and we are looking at you know we Mr. Traver mentioned that 41%. Uh the governor in his speech specifically mentioned that while he's been in office, every single person has gotten an increase, meaning a raise, but yet our students have not gotten anything in over 13 years in this ECS e ECS formula
092and cost of living has gone up. So I know Mr. Traver mentioned that 41% that was if we get that 400 41% it will equal what cost of living went up throughout those years that we haven't had any increase to this ECS formula. So I want everyone to understand these this represents here this list and this ask is going back to 2013 representing those things that we as a district had to get rid of had to push that our students had to do with less and less every single year. And we would like to put back in place everything that they deserve and they need to be able to reach their god-given potential. and understand our kids deserve this. They've been robbed and they have not been invested for so many years that they deserve
093this. That way we can get a nice investment, a return on our investment because our students are our best. They're going to be taking over our city. They're going to be working uh going to college. They're going to be they're going to be investing back into it. So, this is the investment that we want our governor and our elected officials to represent us. Um, and that's why I'm seconding this motion and adding this motion because we deserve this. This was what has been lacking throughout these 13 years. Thank you. >> Okay. Can we clean up the motions a little bit? Can we >> Was it seconded? >> Yes. I think Mr. um I think you seconded it. >> Yeah. >> Second. >> Yeah. just withdraw. >> Yeah. Um want to withdraw my first amendment to
094100. What was it? 102 103. >> You got to return a second. >> And just for clarification, I will withdraw my motion. >> My second motion. >> So now the only amendment >> the amendment on the table is Mr. Medina's amendment for 106 million increase. ready to vote. >> Um, no. I I have the same concern as Mr. Traber um about the after school and before school programs that that seems like or maybe not the after school but the before school programs seems like at lighthouse like it should be for lighthouse not for the district to pick up cuz they staffed that or in the past they've staffed it. So I just >> it's based on on their grant award as well. So sometimes they will deplete it. >> Thank you. >> Just did you
095hear that? Did you hear it? >> Oh, put you back. Hold on. >> Say that again. >> I don't know what I said. >> It's based on like a grant. You You said >> Sorry. >> You said it's based on a grant. >> Yeah. with with lighthouse is they get a grant awarded to the I think it's a 21st century grant program. I think it's from the feds. I think there's a federal one and there's a state one. So based on the number of funds that they get they were they would be able to fund a certain amount of afterchool programs across the district. So I know this past year that was a it was u it was a very competitive grant so they had more people you know accessing those dollars but they did
096get awarded but I think they got awarded right about the same amount from last year. So each year is different so they may have to if they if they lose funding they may have to reduce the number of after school programs across the district. So we wanted to make sure that we all know that kids need some type of afterchool program to be able to do that. So we would I think they put the number in there for us to pay staff to do that if we need to to extend the after school programs. That's that was the that was a reason for that before and after. >> Mr. Sakovic. >> No, Mr. >> Mr. Chabber. >> Yeah. And so what I'm getting at is that I've been here long enough as as a parent
097to remember when Lighthouse was I don't know 10 schools and getting lectured by people that it's not a daycare program and telling the person that lectured me, well it may not be for you, but for the rest of us it is because we had kids. Um and you know this this conflict has gone on and the the domain has expanded the empire has expanded um and then I know Mr. Sakalovic in his position on the board saw the wars. Um but as a teacher then I saw the wars that I mentioned where the board wanted to charge Lighthouse more for expenses, custodial expenses, um toilet paper, paper towels, things like that that were incurred as a result of the use of the facilities, cleaning expenses, all that stuff. um and you know wanting to charge
098more um and there were wars with the city about that because it was perceived as a uh city sub agency if you will. Um so it's been a longstanding thing and I know I believe Mr. Sakalik was on the board when they found a competitor that was a better product if you will and then that created a whole conflict that I did not participate in. I was not a part of at the time. Um, so there's been an ongoing thing and the preschool program began to be offered and all of this meant that at some point they started charging money prora depending on the family and how much you could afford and so after school, preschool that you know they went around and started charging when I was teaching um you you know if you
099were going to bring your kid in early you had to pay a certain amount. Um, and so it's been an evolving process. I get it. And I understand why it's important because I, as a parent, thought it was important um to be able to pick my child up later. Um, not just because of the tutoring and the afterchool activities and the value of those, but because there was somebody who watching my child while I was working. I get that. Um, so all of that is valuable. And the drop off, I get that, too. So, I'm not opposed to any of that and I'm not opposed to the importance of all of that. Um, but when it got sort of foisted over onto our budget, it it has taken away over the years from our ability
100to do to offer educa, you know, to do our primary mission, if you will. Um, and that's what I'm hearing tonight is it's continuing to, you know, take away from our abilities to do our primary mission. >> Yeah, I definitely agree with everything Mr. Draber just said. Um, and yourself. However, regardless of who is administering the afterchool programs via Lighthouse, they're paying. It's not in every school. This this request could go to adding additional programming, adding the adding additional Carver Foundation, Yale University, who was the last provider, into our remaining schools and provide wraparound services for our children through these newly instituted programs. So, I really strongly suggest keeping it in here. I mean, I would really want to shoot for the stars and even ask for two 300 million. Yeah, I got a number.
101We we got to settle on a number and I do want to revisit Lighthouse paying their fair share and rentals and all that when the time comes. But I definitely hear your concerns and I'm ready for that battle as well. Madam Chair, I'm >> Yes. I I don't um I only raise it as a matter of uh a question that occurred to me and that I I felt last year uh as we did the budget and why weren't we looking at cutting or saving money in that area? Um and so it's coming up now. It is valuable. It is not I'm not questioning. I'm not proposing. I'm simply asking questions at this point. It's, you know, we didn't discuss it at all last year. >> Sure. >> In the budget make in the budget cuts
102and the process and everything else. Um, and it's a shame uh that we're at this point. But at some point when we had the resources, hopefully we can evaluate what's best for the children, what's best for the schools. Um and and visit that question in a healthy manner, not the unhealthy manner of where we make cuts and don't make cuts um versus what's best for the children and what's the best way to do it? >> Any further questions? I do want to acknowledge I'm sorry Mr. Woodson did join the call um a lot earlier. I didn't take him on attendance yet, but he's on the call. So, right now we have an amended motion for 106 million um dollars and additional funding for the fiscal year 2627 school year budget. Seeing no further questions, we'll
103take a mo a vote on the mo on the amended motion. So, this is not the final vote yet. This is just on the motion to um increase the budget to 106 million. So all in favor I >> I >> those opposed Daniels opposed. >> I'm opposing it. Any abstensions? >> Can you hear me? >> Yes, we got you, Miss Standups. >> Okay. >> Um the amended motion um passes. The main motion still on the floor to adopt the budget. Is there any um other questions or debate? Miss Nquil, >> you asked me the board is not adopting the district budget FY2627 budget today. What the board is adopting is a requested budget. >> Yes. >> To the city additional $106 million as a placeholder if you want to put it that way. >> In
104addition to that, may I menure? Yes. I'm trying I'm trying to understand and making sure that I think everybody out there understands what what's going to happen. The board is going to request an ex, you know, an expansion of the amount that we're going to be asking for. U we all we all know that by the end of the school year, we cannot adopt an adop a deficit budget. So if we don't get these funds, we have to come back and you know propose a budget that we could manage and adopt uh prior to that. So but there's a long time coming between now and then. So that's why we're doing what we're doing right now. as we do our advocacy, as we look at what the city's going to give us, as we look
105at what the state's going to give us, then we would have to come back as a board to figure out exactly what we can pass as a adopted budget. So, I just want to make sure that everybody's clear on that because we're asking for a lot. That's over 35% increase in the ask. Uh, I don't know that exactly what 106 was because my number changed a little bit. So, what would that be, Nester? 30 I think it's 35% something like that. I'm not a mathematician. So >> it's about 35. It's a little over 35%. >> It's going to be over 35%. But again that's okay because we can always come back and amend that number just like you said Joe. I just want to make sure that everybody was clear on that. >> Mr. Traver.
106>> Well if if 94 million is 41%. >> Okay. Then it's more than that. inflation >> about 45%. >> Mr. Sakalic. >> Yeah, thank thank you Dr. Avery for bringing that up because that's the very important point. This does not finish it. However, we don't got to wait. We should be waiting for the final numbers to start planning contingencies. We could plan contingencies now based on certain amount of shortfalls. Uh we we could estimate what happens if we're $20 million short. What happens if we're $40 million short? What happens if we're $60 million short? And start drawing up scenarios around various numbers that those are just numbers I just threw out there right now. Maybe Miss Newton Quilo could come up with some better estimates and more realistic things. So, we could be we need
107to be ready to go. We don't need to be having these conversations minute when it's coming down to June, July and getting ready to start the next school year. If that makes sense. I I I think I like this exercise that we did in terms of seeing where we would be if we hadn't had to make cuts. Um, you know, 106 million worth of staffing and programming. Um, however, I also think if we want to be a little more realistic, they're not they're going to take this and laugh at us. They're like, we're not going to give you that. If we had the budget of Hartford, this is what we would we would have. And so I I just in my opinion I just think yes this is what we need if we had what
108Harford had. However, if we take the schoolbased budget and I I I would I would say even making it 65 to put some contingency in there. I think it's more realistic. I know that delegation um when I spoke to them they were behind going for the 65. Um so that's my opinion. Obviously, we're going to take a vote on this tonight. Um, but I that doesn't mean that I don't think we should have this list of the of staffing. Like, we definitely should have um librarians, um, you know, counselors and and the whole list, office staff, human resources. um that number is there's a a a difference of 10 from uh the Harford schools to ours, but I I don't know. I just want to be a little more realistic in what we're asking. Obviously,
109this is what we want. >> This is what we need. Um no, I get I agree with that. This is what we need. But, um I think if we looked, we had the exercise of the the principles and staff come up with a school-based budget. Um, I don't think 20.9% is a wild number compared to what I see other districts asking for in the teens. 35% increase or if Mr. Chver's math is right, 40%. Um, it's it seems um I won't use that word. Um, but I'm thinking it. Um, anyways, I Yeah, so that's my opinion. Um but obviously we're going to take a bull on it. I don't know if anybody else had any comments. Mr. Bahan, >> thank you M. Um Dr. Hy, I really understand about your opinion just now. You just
110say, >> but you think our kids deserve that extra money >> absolutely. >> Okay. Why am I asking this? Because the state have to know and they know. Let's put it this they know. Everybody know that our city is the one more big one. They know what we doing and what you're doing and your team they doing. They know exactly that we need this money for better future for our kids. Look at you can give example. We have staff here is still here. You know you we stay here. Your cabin is here because we care because they want the best for our childrens. You know, of course you say, you know, extra money this or less meaning, you know, the percent and stuff like that, but it's no money in the world that can say
111it's for kids, you know, and they have to understand, do we need a little more money is because our kids deserve it. And that's what we're here for for sure, you know, have a better future. Um and you they can be proud for Bridgeport and also we have to say thank you all the staff they stay here. They know what we're going through and I take care of my hat for all staff from Bridgeport Public School. They say I'm here because I care because I want the best for our children. They want the best for everyone for our parents. And they can leave and we all know that. They I know a lot of staff they call them and they say I can make you more 10 or 15 20 more you know grant they
112say no I'm staying in Bridgeport because I want the best and that I have to respect that and I know that sometime the state of what Bridgeport is doing but they know what we doing they know what we want and they have to understand this is for our children's you know like I say I take out of my hat for all the staff they stay here because they want the best you know we got staff they got so many years they got stuff they want to come back they say you know be working with you know with us but for me 106 is nothing that what our kids deserve more because you know it's the best for the future of the kids I know it's not going to be easy it's a process and you
113know and I know you're working hard with your team but we have to stay together because as always I said together we can make the difference thank you thank you ma >> Mr. Traver. >> Yeah. I I I I caution us against um bargaining against ourselves, against reality. Um this isn't good enough for me. And and let me let me tell you, when I get asked, "If you had all the money you wanted, what would you do?" Well, the first words out of my mouth are smaller class sizes. It's not in here. It's not in here. No. No. No, no, no, no. It's not in here. And the second words out of my mouth are academic and social intervention. That's in here. I like, you know, that that's in here. And a lot of other
114good things are in here. But the smaller class sizes are not. Look at the schools in Bridgeport. The statemandated school has 15 students in a class. That's the school. We have this beautiful school on the hill, Discovery, with 15 students in a class, and everybody wants their kids in Discovery because it's got 15 students in a class. That's the statemandated school, our interd district magnet school with 15 students in a class. That's what be should be every school in Bridgeport. We're not doing that with this budget. And I remember Antonio Felipe saying in the newspaper years ago, and he and I talked about it up in Hartford, I just want what I just want the children of Bridgeport to see have what I just saw. And he was down one of the Gold Coast districts
115in that district. Well, that is what we want. And we won't get there with $106 million. But we take a big step to getting there. And if we continue to get that kind of money, then we can take further steps to get ourselves there. So, we're being bold and it's you can argue unrealistic, but we're making a statement at a time where everybody's talking about what hasn't been done. We're pointing out what we could do if you had done what you should have done. Taking a step towards what it should be. That's what we're doing. An unrealistic step maybe, but a right step, a justifiable step, a righteous step. And so that's what we're doing. And when they say, "Oh god, you're never going to get that." Well, we should. Our children deserve it. They
116should have gotten it a long time ago. And you could add up any any of us can do that math. It's not complicated. That if we'd gotten the the cost of living steps each and every step of the last 13 years, oh lord, that would be a lot of money. So we we need to go forward feeling that we what we're doing is is is righteous. And it is. See no fe. >> Sorry. Um, seeing no further questions, um, we'll take our vote on this. It's going to be a roll call vote. Miss Mayor Jimenez. >> Very good. So the motion is um discussion and possible action on the proposed fiscal year 2627 budget of $106 million I'm sorry subject to revision depending [gasps] >> thank you tyr board member for a minute uh Uh
117for clarification, the board the proposal on the table or the motion on the table is the board is requesting additional $106 million increase in their operating budget for fiscal year 2627. >> Yeah, that that was how it was amended. >> That's how it was. Yes. >> So that's that's how the motion stands as Mr. >> Did you hear that, Miss Mr. Mayor Jimenez? Yes. I'm sorry. I'm currently struggling here. Um I just made the edit. Do you want me to reread it? >> Yes, please. >> When you're when you're able to. >> Yes. Sorry. >> It's fine. I'm the same way. um discussion and possible action on the proposed fiscal year 26 22nd 27 budget of $16 million increase in their in our operating budget. >> Yes. >> So first up we have Mr. Grahades.
118Benahan. Graades. >> Pass. >> Okay. Mr. Woodson. >> Yes. >> Miss Perez. >> No. >> Mr. Sakalovic. >> Absolutely. Yes. >> Miss Burks Jennings. I abstain. >> Okay. Mr. Daniels, >> no. >> I vote [snorts] yes. >> Mr. Draper. >> Yes. Mer. >> Mr. Medina. >> Yes. >> Okay. The motion carries. >> Mr. Ben. >> Miss Ben. >> Oh, I'm sorry I keep doing that. Mr. Benahan Graales. >> Yes. Okay, that motion carries. Um, we do need to add one item to the budget. I mean the budget to the agenda. >> I would like to make a motion to add the adoption of the nutrition center budget for the fiscal year 2627 to the agenda. >> Hey, is there a second? >> Okay. Second by Mr. Traver. Um, this was brought to us at the
119last meeting. So, um, just so you guys know, we just have to adopt it. So, see no further questions, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? That passes as well. The last item is a motion to adjourn. >> So move. >> Second. Point of >> Yes. Go ahead. I >> think we moved a little too fast. I wasn't clear. Did we vote on the budget or we just voted to add it to the agenda? >> Oh. Oh, we had to vote on it, guys. My bad. >> Sorry. Um, let's vote out the budget now. >> Okay. Um, it's added to the agenda. So, is there a motion to approve the fiscal year 2627 nutrition center budget? >> Motion to approve the fiscal year 2627 nutrition budget. >> Second by Mr.
120Treyber. Motion was made by Mr. Scalic. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Any abstensions? >> That passes. Now we'll take a motion to adjurnn. >> Motion. >> Moved by Mr. Medina. >> Okay. >> Second by Mr. Benahan. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Both. All right. Meeting adjourns at 8:32. Thank you. >> Good night.