Bridgeport Board of Education, Advocacy Ad Hoc Committee, 5:30PM 2/5/26

The Bridgeport Board of Education's Advocacy Ad Hoc Committee met on February 5, 2026, to discuss strategies for securing increased funding for the Bridgeport Public Schools. The meeting focused heavily on advocacy efforts related to the upcoming city and state budget cycles, including the need to push for a higher Education Cost Sharing (ECS) formula funding, which has not been increased in 13 years. Various budget proposals ranging from $44 million to $61 million were discussed, with emphasis on restoring critical staff positions such as instructional coaches, assistant principals, counselors, and librarians. The committee also planned coordinated advocacy actions including testimony at legislative hearings, community outreach, and mobilization efforts to influence city council and state legislators. They discussed organizing training for public testimony, distributing templated messaging, and engaging community partners, parents, students, and union members to amplify their voice. The committee aimed to finalize their budget request by the city deadline and prepare for a key education committee hearing scheduled for February 17, 2026.