04.21.2026 Budget & Appropriations Committee Public Hearing

The City of Bridgeport Budget & Appropriations Committee held a public hearing on April 21, 2026, focused primarily on the funding needs of Bridgeport Public Schools. Numerous speakers, including educators, board members, students, and community leaders, advocated for significant increases in the school budget beyond the mayor's proposed $5 million increase. They highlighted chronic underfunding issues leading to staff cuts, larger class sizes, reduced student support services, and deteriorating school conditions. The Board of Education requested a $106 million increase to restore and expand services, emphasizing the need for equitable funding to support special education, multilingual learners, and overall student success. Several speakers urged the City Council to prioritize education funding, even if it requires reallocating resources from other departments, and to send a strong message to the state legislature for additional support. The meeting underscored education as a critical investment in Bridgeport's future economic and social well-being, with calls for immediate and sustained budget increases to address long-standing deficits and improve outcomes for students.