In Episode 08 of The Voice of the District, we are joined by Faith Villegas, Executive Director, and Armando Jimenez, Director of Development, to discuss the impact of Bridgeport Public Education Fund and the Bridgeport Promise program.

Since 1983, Bridgeport Public Education Fund has supported local students by mentoring and preparing them for success in college, careers, and life. In this episode, Faith and Armando break down the organization’s mission, the roles they play in advancing that work, and how their programs are helping students build a strong foundation for life after high school.

We also explore how the Promise program is opening new doors for students starting as early as middle school, ensuring they have the guidance, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive beyond graduation.

This conversation highlights the power of partnership, preparation, and long term investment in Bridgeport students.

Episode 07 of The Voice of the District features Robert Traber, Board of Education Member for Bridgeport Public Schools.

In this episode, we discuss what fully funding the Education Cost Sharing formula would mean for Bridgeport students and what funding gaps still remain. Mr. Traber also shares insight on the Governor’s proposed Blue Ribbon Panel, the launch of the Board’s Ad Hoc Advocacy Committee, and why community participation in the upcoming Appropriations Hearing is critical.

This conversation highlights the role of advocacy, policy decisions, and community engagement in strengthening Bridgeport Public Schools. We also hear Mr. Traber’s hopes for the future of our district and his message to students and families.

Disclaimer

Before we begin, The Voice of the District serves as an open dialogue platform to engage members of the Bridgeport Public Schools community. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Bridgeport Public Schools or the Board of Education.

Our goal is to keep our community informed through thoughtful and transparent conversations.

In this episode, we focus on Connecticut’s short legislative session, a critical period when state lawmakers make key budget and policy decisions that directly affect our city and our public schools. To help break down what this means for Bridgeport, we are joined by Constance Vickers, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Bridgeport. With deep experience in government and public policy, Constance offers clear insight into how decisions made in Hartford translate into real impacts for our students, families, and neighborhoods.

Together, we discuss what the short legislative session is, why it matters for Bridgeport, how state budget decisions influence city resources and funding for Bridgeport Public Schools, and which policy areas families should be paying close attention to this year. We also explore what advocacy really looks like by breaking it down into simple, everyday actions and sharing practical ways parents, caregivers, and community members can make their voices heard.

This conversation is designed to make the legislative process accessible, relevant, and empowering for Bridgeport families, because informed families are essential partners in advocating for the future of our students.

In Episode 05 of Voice of the District, Interim Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery discusses the district’s proposed budget and the long-standing funding challenges facing Bridgeport Public Schools.

Dr. Avery explains that these challenges did not happen overnight and are the result of decades of underfunding that affect urban districts across Connecticut. Rising costs and growing student needs, particularly in special education and multilingual learner services, have continued to outpace available funding.

During the episode, he walks through the three budget options presented to the Board, including the status quo budget, his recommended budget to sustain current operations, and a school-based budget built directly from input shared by principals and school leaders. He also highlights the steps the district has taken to manage costs responsibly while maintaining services for students.

Dr. Avery closes by emphasizing that continued progress depends on investing in schools, supporting staff, and meeting the real needs of students, and that the budget conversation reflects a shared responsibility to the Bridgeport community.

In this episode of The Voice of the District, we sit down with Dr. Monette Ferguson, Executive Director of Alliance for Community Empowerment (Alliance CT), to discuss the critical role community partnerships play in supporting students and families in Bridgeport.

Dr. Ferguson shares how Alliance CT’s work in health, wellness, economic stability, and family resilience is making a direct impact in Bridgeport, highlights key programs serving local families, and explains how parents and caregivers can access essential resources. The conversation also explores what drives her passion for community-centered leadership and her hopes for the future of Bridgeport Public Schools and the families it serves.

In this special episode of The Voice of the District, Bridgeport Public Schools highlights the district’s Debate Program through the voices of two student debaters who share a preview of the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day Debate.

Students discuss the importance of debate, critical thinking, and civic engagement, and reflect on how the program helps them develop confidence, leadership, and their voice. They also offer a teaser of the themes and topics that will be explored during the MLK Debate taking place on January 21 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Margaret Morton Center.

This episode underscores the district’s commitment to student voice and academic enrichment while celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. through meaningful dialogue and student-led discourse.

Join us as we elevate student voices and invite the community to attend this powerful evening of debate and reflection.

THE VOICE OF THE DISTRICT
Episode: Conversation with Board of Education Chair Jennifer Perez

Bridgeport Public Schools is proud to share a new episode of The Voice of the District, featuring Jennifer Perez, Chair of the Bridgeport Board of Education.

In this episode, Chair Perez reflects on her role and responsibilities as Board Chair, the priorities guiding the district as we move into the new year, and the progress Bridgeport Public Schools has made over the past year. She highlights initiatives she is most proud of, discusses the Board’s role in supporting district leadership during a period of growth and transition, and shares her long-term hopes and goals for the future of Bridgeport Public Schools.

The conversation also explores the importance of strong partnerships between the Board of Education, district leadership, staff, families, and the broader community, and concludes with a direct message of encouragement and support to Bridgeport students and families.

This episode continues our commitment to transparency, collaboration, and keeping our community informed about the leadership, priorities, and vision shaping Bridgeport Public Schools.

In this special health update, Bridgeport Public Schools is joined by the City of Bridgeport Department of Health to share important information regarding a confirmed measles case in a nearby town and what families need to know.

Dr. Elizabeth Rivera-Rodriguez and Lizette Earley, Nursing Supervisor for Bridgeport Public Schools, discuss measles prevention, Connecticut’s vaccination requirements, and how families can help keep students and school communities safe. The conversation covers MMR vaccination guidelines, when students should stay home from school, what to do if a child is unvaccinated and may have been exposed, and how school nurses support families during public health situations.

This episode is designed to provide clear, accurate guidance and answer common questions as we work together to protect the health and well-being of our students, staff, and families.

Bridgeport Public Schools is proud to share Episode 2 of The Voice of the District, featuring State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, a dedicated advocate for public education and a strong partner to the Bridgeport community.

In this episode, Senator Gadkar-Wilcox reflects on her personal and professional journey to public service, sharing the pivotal moments that led her to serve as a State Senator. She speaks candidly about what drives her commitment to education and why advocating for urban school districts like Bridgeport remains central to her work.

A key focus of the conversation is Senator Gadkar-Wilcox’s instrumental role in advocating for the $74 million Special Education Center for Bridgeport Public Schools. She discusses why this investment was so important, what it means for students with special needs, and how it will support families for generations to come.

The episode also explores:

• How parents, staff, students, and community members can meaningfully engage in the district’s budget process
• Why community voice and collective advocacy are essential to achieving fair and sustainable school funding
• Education initiatives at the state level that have the potential to positively impact Bridgeport students
• Her hopes and long-term vision for the future of Bridgeport Public Schools

To close the conversation, Senator Gadkar-Wilcox delivers a direct message of encouragement to Bridgeport students and families, emphasizing resilience, opportunity, and the importance of staying engaged.

Senator Gadkar-Wilcox also welcomes all community members, staff, students, and families to reach out to her, underscoring her commitment to listening and ensuring that Bridgeport’s voices are heard at the state level.

🎧 Listen to Episode 2 of The Voice of the District and be part of the conversation shaping the future of Bridgeport Public Schools.