GOVERNOR LAMONT ANNOUNCES LANDMARK INVESTMENTS IN DOWNTOWN NEW HAVEN TO ACCELERATE INNOVATION, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND JOB GROWTH

Investments Target Growth in the Life Sciences and Quantum Technologies Industries

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that his administration is making a $50.5 million investment in public infrastructure and facilities in downtown New Haven that are targeted toward propelling growth in the life sciences industry and the emerging sector of quantum technologies, setting the stage for a new generation of cutting-edge research, innovation, and business and job growth in these sectors.

The investments are included as part of the first grant award made under the state’s newly launched Connecticut Innovation Clusters Program, which is administered by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).

“Every day in downtown New Haven, workers are developing the cutting-edge research, technologies, and products that are changing the world and propelling Connecticut forward as a leader in the fields of life sciences and quantum technologies,” Governor Lamont said. “We want to build on this foundation, encourage new growth, and further cement New Haven’s reputation as a groundbreaker in these sectors. These targeted investments in the downtown neighborhood’s public infrastructure and facilities will enable us to further partner with these businesses and accelerate job growth and more opportunities here in Connecticut.”

“The strategic value of this investment is enormous, as we are essentially doubling down on areas where Connecticut already has competitive advantages,” Daniel O’Keefe, DECD commissioner and the state’s chief innovation officer, said. “Supercharging our life sciences and innovation capacity will have far-reaching positive impacts on the state’s ability to attract new talent, investment, and companies, as well as strengthen our overall competitiveness.”

The investments being made in this wide-ranging project will seed the next era of growth in New Haven’s downtown innovation district, an existing cluster of world-class expertise in the life sciences that will expand and add new strength in quantum technologies and cross-industry collaborations. Components include:

New Haven Innovation Center: Create a 4,500 square foot ‘early start’ activation space within 101 College Street. ($1,300,000)
QuantumCT: Provide critical financial support to this nonprofit that is the statewide coordinating body for quantum computing infrastructure and testbed deployment, convening industry, academia, and startups. ($10,000,000)
Public Infrastructure: Financing pedestrian-first streetscapes, stormwater management and climate-resilient mobility infrastructure necessary to support Parcel B development. Parcel B is a development parcel created following the removal of the Route 34 expressway located east of 101 College Street. ($17,500,000)
Development Fund Gap Financing: Facilitate the development of Parcel B (200,000+ sf), owned by the City of New Haven and 265 South Orange Street, the Square 10 (former Coliseum) site (277,000+ planned life sciences building). ($14,500,000)
Arch Street Bridge and Church Street Promenade: Create a multi-modal pedestrian corridor connecting Union Station to Downtown and the Hill neighborhoods, with a signature pedestrian arc bridge and linear park and a pedestrian/bike promenade. ($4,200,000)
BioCT: Activate the cluster with programming led by BioCT to bring together civic, academic, and business partners within the heart of the district and from across the state. ($3,000,000)

“Representing 300 member organizations, BioCT’s mission is to foster Connecticut’s burgeoning life sciences ecosystem – building a village around every job seeker, entrepreneur, and company seeking to come, stay, and grow here,” Jodie Gillon, BioCT CEO, said. “Our industry is a driving force in the state’s economic development, with New Haven at its center. The innovation cluster further catalyzes a critical mass, marking a pivotal moment for state investment. I applaud our legislators for overcoming federal headwinds and ensuring that science, innovation, and Connecticut can – and will – win.”

“At a time when many states seem to be moving away from science and technology, Connecticut has chosen to increase its investment in the future, investing in the places, the partners, and the existing industries to create transformative impact and growth for the people of Connecticut,” Carter Winstanley, principal for Winstanley Enterprises, said.

QuantumCT is a newly established nonprofit organization that serves as the statewide coordinating body for quantum infrastructure, research, and commercialization. The organization is the result of a landmark partnership between Yale and UConn that was launched in response to the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines program, which could bring up to $160 million in additional federal investment to the state. QuantumCT will operate a shared-use testbed facility, support venture development and advance workforce development initiatives.

“Being selected for the Innovation Clusters Program affirms the central role QuantumCT will play in shaping Connecticut’s future economy,” QuantumCT CEO Albert M. Green, said. “By bringing together universities, companies, and investors, we are creating the infrastructure, talent pipeline, and partnerships needed to make Connecticut the place where next-generation industries take root and grow. This award sends a clear signal that Connecticut is committed to investing in transformative technologies that will drive competitiveness, attract global companies, and create opportunity for our residents for decades to come.”

Yale University and UConn are central to the success of the cluster. Yale brings world-class research capabilities in quantum science and biomedical innovation, as well as strengths in accelerating entrepreneurship through Yale Ventures. UConn brings deep expertise in advanced manufacturing, engineering, and translational research, and is a key partner in workforce development and commercialization efforts. Together, these institutions will help drive the cluster’s mission to translate cutting-edge research into scalable businesses and high-quality jobs.

“Connecticut has one of the nation’s strongest concentrations of early adopters of quantum technologies, positioning the state as a leader in this emerging field,” Pamir Alpay, vice president for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship for UConn, said. “By working closely with industry partners, we are advancing near-term applications that will lay the foundation for a quantum-enabled future.”

“This investment will allow Yale, UConn, the City of New Haven, and our partners to accelerate the translation of quantum and bioscience research into applications that benefit Connecticut’s communities and economy,” Michael Crair, vice provost for research at Yale University, said. “By building shared infrastructure and training the next generation of innovators, we can ensure that quantum technologies take root and grow here in Connecticut. It’s an exciting step forward for our city and state.”

The Quantum and Bioscience Cluster is a coalition of stakeholders that includes QuantumCT, Yale University, UConn, L&G, Winstanley Enterprises, BioCT, and the City of New Haven. Other higher education institutions in the region are expected to play an active role in the cluster moving forward.

This industry cluster award will reinforce and complement several other state investments in the area. These include:

Brownfield redevelopment grants to clean up and spur projects at the Square 10 sites
Investment in 101 College Street
Housing investments at the Orange and State intersection, State Street, and near Union Station
CT Community Challenge pedestrian improvements along the State Street corridor
Community Investment Fund 2030 and Connecticut Department of Housing support for State Street location of Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen and co-located community health services from Cornell Scott Hill Health Center
Connecticut Department of Transportation redevelopment of the Union Station parking lot into a vibrant, mixed-use development anchored by two 16-story towers, bringing new housing, retail and jobs

“New Haven is a growing national hub for life sciences and an innovation ecosystem poised to leverage the promise of quantum computing and technology,” Mayor Justin Elicker said. “This $50.5 million investment by the state will help further catalyze New Haven and Connecticut’s economic growth and future in these industries, creating new businesses, new jobs, and new opportunities for our residents and our city while also growing our tax base. With our new BioCity career pathways program, we’re also already working to create the pipeline of New Haven students who will enter these fields and take advantage of these future job opportunities in their home town.”

The Connecticut Innovation Clusters Program is a $100 million initiative to support the continued growth of critical sectors of the Connecticut economy, including biotechnology, financial technology, insurance technology, and advanced manufacturing in support of national defense. The program leverages private and public investment to support the application of next-generation technologies, such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing, to accelerate innovation in the state’s high-growth industries.

Town of Stratford Awarded Over $632,000 in Federal Grant Funding for Fire Department Safety Upgrades

Stratford, CT – The Town of Stratford is pleased to announce it has been awarded $632,521.81 in federal grant funding through FEMA’s FY24 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. This critical funding will allow the Town to fully upgrade and replace the Stratford Fire Department’s inventory of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) — equipment essential to the safety and effectiveness of Stratford’s firefighters.

The grant also funds up to eight (8) instructor-led trainings at the regional Fire School, ensuring Stratford’s firefighters are fully prepared to use the new equipment in live fire situations. Each firefighter on staff will receive a new face mask, and the Department will acquire multiple Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) packs, emergency air supply systems that are available when rescue is needed by first responders or victims.

These upgrades will not only enhance firefighter safety but also allow the department to be compliant with the upcoming 2026 National Fire Protection Association standards and provides a warranty for the life of the air pack, ensuring Stratford’s firefighters remain at the forefront of professional readiness and life-saving capabilities.

“This funding is an investment in the safety of both our firefighters and our community. Stratford’s first responders put themselves in harm’s way every day, and ensuring they have the best possible equipment is one of our top priorities. We are grateful to FEMA for recognizing the importance of this project and for supporting Stratford with this significant award.” said Mayor Laura R. Hoydick.

Fire Chief Jermaine Atkinson noted, “The new SCBA equipment and training will directly improve our ability to respond quickly, safely, and effectively in emergencies. Having the latest life-saving tools ensures our firefighters are protected and prepared when called to serve. I would also like to thank the members of the department who spearheaded this project and provided guidance and oversight to push the project forward. This grant allows us to meet upcoming safety standards ahead of schedule and strengthens our ability to save lives here in Stratford.”

The Town had proactively included funding for this equipment in its FY2026–2030 Capital Improvement and Capital Equipment Plan (CIP/CEP) as part of a contingency strategy, ensuring the investment would move forward even without federal support. The award from FEMA offsets this cost and accelerates the Department’s ability to acquire and deploy the upgraded equipment.

“On behalf of the Town of Stratford, we are deeply appreciative of FEMA’s continued partnership in helping us safeguard our community,” said Mayor Hoydick.

Stratford Library Sets Fall Concert Series: Four Free Events Oct. 5–Nov. 30

The Stratford Library will host a free fall concert series in the Lovell Room from October 5 through November 30, made possible by the Richard Pheneger Memorial Fund. All events are open to the public.

On Saturday, October 5 at 2 p.m., The Survivors Swing Band will celebrate the Library’s return to Sunday hours with classic tunes from the Great American Songbook—dancing in the aisles encouraged. On Tuesday, October 8 at 6:30 p.m., Craig Norton leads “Hands on Drumming,” a 90-minute, wellness-oriented participatory session with drums provided; seating is limited and free registration is available at https://stratfordlibrary.libcal.com/event/15101043. On Sunday, October 12 at 2 p.m., The Kenn Morr Band returns in support of its new album “Still Shining,” recorded at Sandy Brook Studios in Colebrook, CT, featuring eleven new songs with lush harmonies and cohesive instrumentation. On Sunday, November 30 at 2 p.m., Stratford singer-songwriter Saint (Thierry Coriolan-Beauregard) presents “A Cry for Peace & A Shout for Love,” sharing uplifting songs aimed at hope, compassion, and unity.

For more information, visit www.stratfordlibrary.org or call 203-385-4162.

CONNECTICUT JOINS FTC TO STOP DECEPTIVE CANCER CHARITY FUNDRAISING SCHEME

Kars-R-Us.com and its operators raised millions but only a fraction of donations went to fund breast cancer screenings, FTC and states allege

(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong today joined the Federal Trade Commission and 22 agencies from 19 states announcing a settlement to stop a deceptive charity fundraising scheme and its operators who made false or deceptive claims to U.S. donors.

Kars-R-Us.com, Inc. (Kars) and its operators, Michael Irwin and Lisa Frank, solicited charitable donations nationwide on behalf of United Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. (UBCF), a charity that claims to assist individuals affected by breast cancer, according to a complaint filed by the FTC and states. Kars claimed that vehicle donations would allow UBCF to “save lives” by providing free and low-cost breast cancer screenings. But, in reality, only $126,815 or 0.28% of the more than $45 million that Kars raised was used to provide breast cancer screenings, the complaint alleges.

Under a proposed settlement order reached with the FTC and its state partners, Kars and its operators face restrictions on future fundraising activities and Irwin, Kars’s President and co-owner until 2022, will be permanently banned from fundraising.

“Kars-R-Us ran a shameful scam to enrich its operators by preying on the generosity of donors who believed they were saving lives through breast cancer screenings. Michael Irwin will never again work in any fundraising capacity, and Kars will be subject to strict prohibitions on its marketing claims. In coordination with our state and federal law enforcement partners, we will not tolerate deceit and misuse of charitable funds,” said Attorney General Tong.

“When people donate their hard-earned money, they hold a reasonable expectation that money will be used for its intended purpose. In this case, generous donors thought they were helping families affected by breast cancer, an issue that is deeply personal to many people, only to find out that was not the case,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. “Exploiting the generosity of people who are just trying to help is shameful. We take these scams seriously. Thank you to the Attorney General’s office and the Federal Trade Commission for their attention to this important issue.”

“This case should send a strong message to fundraisers that the FTC will take action if they misrepresent the truth and exploit the kindness of generous donors for their own gain,” said Christopher Mufarrige, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “We are grateful to our state partners for joining this effort to protect the public from fundraising schemes like this one.”

Kars solicited vehicle donations through national and local TV, radio and online ads in English and Spanish, claiming the donations would allow UBCF to “save lives” by providing free and low-cost breast cancer screenings. Kars tugged at donors’ heartstrings to maximize contributions with little regard for truthfulness or accuracy of the claims it made on behalf of UBCF, the complaint alleges. More than 84,000 well-intentioned people donated their vehicles to Kars.

Between 2017 to 2022 Kars raised more than $45.5 million on behalf of UBCF. The complaint alleges that $34.9 million of those raised funds went to pay Kars, its operators, and its vendors. Of the tiny fraction of funds left to UBCF, most were largely used for other purposes, including generous compensation to UBCF’s CEO.

Kars, Irwin, and Frank knew or should have known that the breast cancer-related claims they drafted and made on behalf of UBCF were deceptive or lacked substantiation, the complaint alleges.

The proposed settlement order imposes restrictions on Kars, Irwin, and Frank, including:

•             permanently banning Irwin from fundraising or providing fundraising services to any person, directly or indirectly. He is also prohibited from making misrepresentations in connection with the marketing or sale of any product and service;

•             prohibiting Frank, Kars’s current president and sole owner, from making misrepresentations associated with fundraising, or in the marketing or sale of any other product or service;

•             prohibiting Kars, its employees, and anyone actively working for or engaged with the company from making misrepresentations associated with fundraising, or in the marketing or sale of any other product or service; and

•             requiring Kars and Frank to substantiate fundraising or marketing claims.

Irwin, Frank, and Kars also face a total monetary judgment of $3,882,091, which is partially suspended based on their inability to pay the full amount. If Kars, Frank, and Irwin are found to have lied to the FTC and state partners about their financial status, the full judgment will be immediately payable.

The state agencies joining the FTC in this case include the attorneys general of Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin as well as the secretaries of state of Maryland, North Carolina, and South Carolina; and the Utah Division of Consumer Protection.

Assistant Attorney General Caitlin Calder and paralegal Cheryl Turner assisted the Attorney General in this matter.

STRATFORD LIBRARY TEEN EVENTS IN OCTOBER

10/1, 10/15: 4:30-5:30 pm: Teen Lingo Lounge
Have you been looking for a fun way to learn or practice a new language? Come connect with others and help each other perfect this skill. We will also use the library’s database Transparent Language as a guide. Grades 6-12. No registration required. Location: Teen Department.

¿Has estado buscando una forma divertida de aprender o practicar un nuevo idioma? Ven a conectar con otros y ayúdense mutuamente a perfeccionar esta habilidad. También utilizaremos la base de datos de la biblioteca, Transparent Language, como guía.

10/4: 1:00-2:30 pm: Taylor Swift Listening Party
Taylor’s new album is dropping — and we’re celebrating in style! Come hang out with fellow Swifties as we listen to the new album, decorate heart-shaped sunglasses, make Taylor-themed bookmarks, and frost your own Pop-Tarts (Taylor’s favorite snack, obviously!). Bring your besties — and maybe your friendship bracelets. Grades 6-12. No registration required. Location: Lovell Room.

10/6: 4:30-6:00 pm: Teen Monster Munch and Make
Spooky season is here! Come create your own pumpkin patch dirt cup to eat while learning how to make your very own spooky garland to take home and hang up! Grades 6-12. No registration required. Location: Teen Department.

10/16: 6:00-7:00 pm: Night of Crystals and Tea Leaf Reading
Teens: Join Rachel, The Replanted Witch, for a night of crystals and tea! We will explore the ways that we can use crystals in jewelry; healing, create a crystal tipped wand, and then cast a fun spell together. Then we will explore the art of tea leaf reading and learn how to look for messages hidden in the leaves. Grades 6-12. Registration required. Location: Board Room.

10/20: 3:00-4:30 pm: Zombie Barbies
Zombie Barbie returns! Come and celebrate Halloween by making cheerful dolls dressed in pink into brain eating zombies! We’ll supply everything; you bring your creative ideas! We will put them on display and take pictures when you are finished. Grades 6-12. No registration required. Location: Teen Department.

10/22: 4:30-6:00 pm: Karaoke Spooktacular
The spooky season is upon us! Come enjoy some karaoke tunes with friends. We will have games, crafts and sweet treats. But don’t forget, come dressed in your favorite costume! Grades 6-12. No registration required. Location: Lovell Room.

Walk the Extra Mile at Compo Beach with Rach’s Hope! Fourth Annual Family Fun Walk – Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 3 PM

Westport, CT — Lace up your sneakers, grab your family and friends, and head to Compo Beach on Sunday, October 5th at 3:00 p.m. for Rach’s Hope Family Fun Walk: Walk the Extra Mile 2025. This heartwarming and lively event combines community, music, food, and fun—all in support of families facing the unimaginable challenges of critical illness.

Hosted by Fairfield County non-profit Rach’s Hope, this one-mile beach walk has quickly become a cherished annual tradition. Walkers of all ages will join together at Ned Dimes Marina to celebrate community spirit, honor the legacy of Rachel Doran (Staples High School Class of 2015), and raise funds to provide food, transportation, and lodging for families with children in Intensive Care Units across the country.

Adding a special touch to the walk, participants are invited to join Rachel’s grandfather as he continues his inspiring personal pledge to walk 1,000 miles each year in her memory.

The afternoon doesn’t stop at the finish line—guests can look forward to:
● Live acoustic music from Fairfield’s own Ellis Island Acoustic
● Fresh, hot slices from Pizza Pie Wagon gourmet pizza truck
● Beer and wine compliments of Greens Farms Spirit Shop
● Signature black-and-white cookies
● Exclusive Rach’s Hope swag!

“This event is about more than just taking steps by the beach,” said Lisa Doran, of Rach’s Hope. “It’s about walking together—shoulder to shoulder—with families who need our strength, our resources, and our love.”

All proceeds directly support Rach’s Hope’s mission to ease the financial and emotional burden for families during the toughest moments of their lives.

This is a rain-or-shine celebration. Tickets and donations can be made at RachsHope.org.

Event Details:
● Sunday, October 5, 2025
● 3:00 p.m.
● Compo Beach – Ned Dimes Marina, Westport, CT
● Tickets, donations & info: RachsHope.org

About Rach’s Hope:
Founded in memory of Rachel Doran, who passed away at 21 after a critical illness, Rach’s Hope, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Connecticut non-profit dedicated to helping families nationwide with children in intensive care units.

MURPHY, BLUMENTHAL SUPPORT BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO REPEAL TRUMP’S ILLEGAL, UNION-BUSTING EXECUTIVE ORDERS

WASHINGTON–U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) co-sponsored the Protect America’s Workforce Act – bipartisan legislation to repeal two of President Trump’s union-busting executive orders and restore collective bargaining rights and workplace protections for federal workers.

These executive orders, issued earlier this year by Trump, revoked collective bargaining rights for a majority of federal employees under a false national security pretext. While federal employee unions do not negotiate pay or benefits, collective bargaining agreements do protect federal employees from retaliation, discrimination, and illegal firings, while promoting resources for whistleblowers and veterans.

“This assault on the collective bargaining rights of federal workers is about one thing: making it easier for Trump to fire qualified employees and replace them with his loyalist cronies. It’s just another tactic to intimidate federal workers and prevent them from calling out the corruption and illegality going on inside this administration. This bill terminates Trump’s lawless executive orders and protects hundreds of thousands of hardworking public servants so they can continue their important work without fear of retaliation from the president,” said Murphy.  

“President Trump’s executive orders are a blatant attempt to silence and sideline the public servants who keep our government working for the American people,” said Blumenthal. The Protecting America’s Workforce Act defends not only federal workers’ rights, but also their dignity. I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort that restores fairness and ensures that no administration can trample on the legal protections our public servants have earned. Immediate legislative action is necessary to provide strong protections that workers deserve.”

The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CRSA) grants the president authority to limit collective bargaining agreements when there is a national security concern. President Trump’s executive orders, however, sought to take advantage of the CRSA by inappropriately classifying two-thirds of the federal workforce as having national security missions in order to claim the authority needed to cancel valid union contracts.

This legislation also has the support of the AFL-CIO, Actors’ Equity Association, Alliance for Retired Americans, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), American Federation of Musicians, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Communications Workers of America (CWA), Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE), Federal Education Association, International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM), International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots, LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America, National Education Association, National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM), National Nurses United, National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU), National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), Seafarers International Union, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, United Auto Workers (UAW), United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), and United Steelworkers (USW).

This legislation was also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

Bill text is available here.

Bridgeport Public Schools Building and Operations DepartmentMaximizes Resources with New Cleaning Technology

Bridgeport, CT – Bridgeport Public Schools Building and Operations Department is introducing new technology to increase efficiency, lower costs, and make the most of every resource while providing students and staff with a clean and safe environment.

The department recently launched the TASKI Ecobot 50 Pro, an autonomous floor scrubbing machine, at Harding High School. Capable of cleaning 10,000 to 20,000 square feet in just four hours, the Ecobot allows staff to streamline daily operations, focus on other essential maintenance needs, and keep critical areas such as school cafeterias and kitchens consistently spotless and sanitary.

“Every minute and every resource counts when it comes to keeping our schools operating at their best,” said Jorge Garcia, Chief Operating Officer. “This technology lets our team work smarter, ensuring that time and staff are used where they have the greatest impact and that our kitchens and cafeterias meet the highest standards of cleanliness.”

The Ecobot will expand next to Bassick High School, Central High School, and Fairchild Wheeler Campus as the department phases in the equipment districtwide. By reducing labor hours, chemical use, and water consumption, the Ecobot is projected to generate significant cost savings that can be reinvested directly into classrooms and districtwide programs.

“Bridgeport Public Schools is committed to doing business differently to better serve our students and families,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery. “By streamlining operations and investing in the right tools, we are maximizing our resources, saving money, and directing those savings back into the district where they can support teaching and learning.”

The Ecobot 50 Pro uses smart navigation, real time sensors, and water saving technology to maintain exceptional cleanliness while reducing energy and chemical use. This innovation reflects the district’s focus on operational efficiency, long term sustainability, and responsible financial management.

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