Bridgeport Schools Report Gains In Literacy, Attendance And Staffing, Superintendent Says

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Bridgeport Interim Superintendent Royce Avery was scheduled to present his 2025-26 superintendent evaluation report to the Bridgeport Board of Education on Wednesday evening, outlining district performance, ongoing challenges and priorities for the coming year.

The report details district efforts in academics, staffing, finances, special education, facilities and family engagement during the past year.

According to the report, the percentage of students in kindergarten through second grade performing at or above literacy benchmarks increased by 16 percent. Among students in grades 7 through 12, the percentage reading at or above grade level increased by 15 percent. The district also reported a 2.6 percent decrease in chronic absenteeism.

The report says the district launched a K-12 English as a Second Language curriculum development initiative serving more than 5,500 multilingual learners.

In operations and finance, the district reported securing more than $35.4 million in additional state and municipal funding and receiving $108.7 million in grant awards. The report states that all 34 recommendations from a forensic audit have been implemented.

Staffing levels also improved, according to the report. Certified staff vacancies decreased from more than 150 positions to 41. Special education teacher vacancies fell from 31 to two positions, while bilingual teacher vacancies declined from six to two.

Other initiatives highlighted in the report include the opening of a centralized enrollment center, the launch of a redesigned district website, progress on a planned $74 million special education center and completion of the district’s first comprehensive facilities master plan in more than 10 years.

“Over the past year, we have worked to address immediate challenges while building stronger systems that support long-term success for students, staff, and families,” Avery said. “This report reflects meaningful progress across the district, but it also recognizes the work that remains. Our responsibility is to continue building on this momentum, remain focused on student outcomes, and ensure every child has access to the opportunities and support they deserve.”

After the presentation to the board, the report will be made available to the public, according to officials.