Category: Bridgeport

Bridgeport Public Schools Launches First-Ever District Podcast to Strengthen Communication With the Community

Bridgeport, CT – December 2, 2025 — Bridgeport Public Schools is launching its first district-wide podcast, The Voice of the District, on Friday, December 5. This new platform is designed to enhance communication with families and the broader community by providing clear, accessible updates on district progress, challenges, and ongoing initiatives.

The podcast will offer direct insight into district priorities, highlight student and staff achievements, and feature conversations that promote transparency and meaningful community engagement. The Voice of the District will be available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and additional streaming platforms to ensure easy access for all listeners.

Early episodes will include guest interviews with key leaders such as:
State Senator Sujata, sharing legislative perspectives and educational support.

State Representative Christopher Rosario, Chair of the Bridgeport Delegation, discussing advocacy efforts and partnership with Bridgeport Public Schools.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery emphasized the importance of strengthening communication, stating:
“Transparency has been my number one priority since stepping into this role. Keeping our families, community, and stakeholders informed is key to building trust and ensuring everyone understands the work taking place across our district. This podcast is another step toward strengthening that connection.”

Bridgeport Public Schools looks forward to offering this new platform as part of its ongoing commitment to open communication and community partnership.

Home for the Brave Celebrates Major Expansion With Ribbon Cutting in Bridgeport

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held this week at Home for the Brave in Bridgeport, celebrating the completion of a major multi-million-dollar renovation aimed at expanding veteran housing and services. The approximately $3.7 million project added 11 new private veteran suites, a new elevator for full ADA accessibility, updated medical and counseling rooms, and a new outdoor courtyard and gathering space designed for therapeutic use and community events.

Local and state officials joined staff, supporters, and veterans for the ceremony, praising the nonprofit’s continued commitment to helping formerly homeless veterans transition into stable, independent lives. The expansion allows Home for the Brave to serve more veterans at a time when housing insecurity remains a critical issue across Greater Bridgeport.

Bridgeport Public Schools Reports Lowest Chronic Absenteeism Rate in Five Years

Bridgeport Public Schools announced significant progress in reducing chronic absenteeism, reaching the lowest rate in five years. According to the latest data shared with the district by the Connecticut State Department of Education, Bridgeport Public Schools has reduced its chronic absenteeism rate to 22.6 percent as of October 2025, a major improvement from 32.0 percent in October 2024 and below pre-pandemic levels.

Five Year Comparison of October Chronic Absenteeism
2025 – 22.6 percent
2024 – 32.0 percent
2023 – 28.0 percent
2022 – 29.9 percent
2021 – 30.6 percent
2020 – 31.1 percent

Early internal indicators for November show continued progress, with the district estimating 23 percent, compared to historical November rates that typically range from 27 percent to 32 percent.

“These numbers show us something important. Our collective work is taking hold,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery. “This progress is the result of principals leading with intention, teachers building strong relationships, and school teams staying connected with families. When our district comes together with one purpose, our students feel the difference.”

This milestone is a testament to the collective effort of administrators, principals, teachers, support staff, families and community partners working through the District Attendance Team. The work is district wide, and every school, grade level and team is engaged.

The District’s Attendance Team has strengthened:

Analyzing real time attendance data
Family outreach and home visits
School based attendance teams
Incentive and engagement programs
Transportation and communication supports
Social and emotional learning and connections to community partners
Creating positive school climate and culture across the district

“This progress reflects the power of partnership,” said Carli Rocha-Reaes, Director of School Counseling and Partnerships. “Thank you to our families for trusting us and sending your children to school every day, and to our students for showing up ready to learn. Together, we’ve achieved something meaningful and together we will keep raising the bar for what’s possible.”

Bridgeport Public Schools encourages staff, families and partners to stay focused through the holiday season, a period when attendance typically dips across Connecticut.

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