Jowanne Burks-Jennings

The committee discussed several CABE-recommended bylaws, including policies on meeting procedures, public and executive sessions, agenda construction, advance delivery of materials, public participation, meeting conduct, quorum and voting procedures, and order of business. Discussions also covered consent agendas, parliamentary procedures, vote recording, and access to information by board members. Additional topics included the retention of meeting recordings, consolidation of social media and electronic communication policies, the development of a restricted access policy for individuals with disruptive history on school grounds, evaluation procedures for the superintendent, and the lottery process for magnet schools.

The board meeting covered a range of operational and policy-related items. Student representatives provided updates on school events and recent advocacy efforts at the state capitol. Key discussions focused on updating bylaws and administrative policies for the superintendent search, committee reports concerning facilities and instructions, and necessary adjustments to the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school calendars due to weather-related closures. Significant actions included approving healthy food certification for the upcoming year, finalizing a contract for the Dunbar playground replacement, and voting to decommission Bassick High School. Additionally, the board moved to implement various policy updates regarding library materials, code of conduct, and committee structures, and passed a resolution supporting proposed state legislation to increase revenue for the Education Cost Sharing formula.

The board received reports from student representatives across several schools regarding student achievements and extracurricular activities. Discussions covered updates on committee work, including operations, instruction, and policy, as well as the Superintendent's report on school calendars and policy revisions. Key actions included approving participation in the healthy food certification program, the playground replacement contract for Dunbar School, the decommissioning of Bassick High School, adjustments to the school calendar, new library policies, updates to board bylaws, and a resolution in support of education funding legislation.

This Campus Improvement Plan details the renovation and addition project for John Winthrop Elementary School. It outlines the project team, site layout, architectural designs including floor plans and renderings, and a comprehensive process timeline spanning from 2024 to 2028. A core focus is the interior design narrative, which aims to create a vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment that celebrates unity in diversity and inspires children to learn, grow, and shape a compassionate future.

Key discussions during the meeting included public comment expressing concern over instability and calling for state accountability. An overview of the Bridgeport Public Education Fund detailed its support mechanisms, including mini-grants, awards, scholarships, and the launch of Bridgeport Promise for the Class of 2026. A subsequent board budget workshop, facilitated by state-hired consultants, addressed forensic audit findings with 34 recommendations, 15 related to budgeting. The board reviewed a compressed Budget Planning Guide timeline, introduced a new allocation model based on enrollment and student needs (ELL, SPED), and emphasized greater principal involvement in budget development and site accountability focusing on equity and transparency. Actions tabled for later included deferring a layoff at the Juvenile Detention Center and reviewing the revised 2026 Regular Board Meeting Schedule.