Bridgeport Public Schools In Line To Receive Millions In State Education Funds

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Bridgeport Public Schools will receive $15 million in state funding, and the city will receive another $10 million, under state aid funding, Gov. Ned Lamont announced. The money is from the fiscal year 2027 budget adjustment legislation approved by state lawmakers last week.

The measure, which passed with broad bipartisan support in the Connecticut General Assembly, is intended to address shortfalls in local school and municipal budgets. State officials say the additional funding is aimed at helping communities maintain services without increasing property taxes.

According to the governor’s office, the funds are targeted to offset gaps that have put pressure on local finances, with the goal of providing municipalities flexibility to stabilize or potentially lower local mill rates.

"By closing funding gaps for our schools and municipalities, we can help communities avoid raising property taxes while keeping classrooms running and local services strong," Lamont said in a statement. "Affordability is a top priority for this administration, and this investment delivers real relief where people feel it most. I am grateful to Senate President Looney, Speaker Ritter, and the overwhelming majority of Democrat and Republican legislators who voted to approve this budget and send it to my desk."

Bridgeport's Interim Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery thanked Gov. Lamont and state legislators for stepping up for the city's students.

"These investments come at a pivotal time for our district and will directly support our students, schools, and families as we continue to navigate significant financial challenges while keeping our focus on student needs," Avery said. "I want to thank the Bridgeport legislative delegation, including Representatives Christopher Rosario, Antonio Felipe, Steve Stafstrom, Andre Baker, Marcus Brown, Fred Gee, and Cristin McCarthy Vahey, along with Senators Herron Gaston and Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, for standing with our students and advocating for what our schools need.

"Because of your leadership and persistence, Bridgeport Public Schools is better positioned to support our students and move this work forward. That advocacy matters, and our community feels it. I also want to thank Governor Ned Lamont and Speaker Matt Ritter for their leadership and partnership in supporting districts like Bridgeport.

"On behalf of our students, families, and staff, thank you for standing with Bridgeport Public Schools."

Mayor Joe Ganim echoed Avery's sentiments.

"Once again, Bridgeport's state legislative delegation has worked as a team to deliver for Bridgeport," Ganim said. "Of all of the state delegations that I have worked with over the years, our current delegation has proven to be the strongest and most effective at bringing back resources and advocating for our biggest priorities. We especially thank them for their efforts to advocate for the needs of our local municipalities, leading the efforts to make education dollars and town aid a top priority in the legislature."

The mayor Ganim added, "I also want to thank Governor Lamont, Speaker Ritter, Majority Leader Rojas, President Pro Temp Looney, and Majority Leader Duff for their leadership in crafting a state budget that prioritized the needs of our students and property taxpayers across Connecticut.

"The legislation was developed through negotiations between the Lamont administration and legislative leaders. It received majority support from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers in the General Assembly."

The bill is expected to be signed into law after it is formally transmitted to the governor’s office.