Bridgeport Proposes $35 Million School Funding Boost Amid Potential Tax Hikes
- Ganim and Bridgeport city council leaders announced a plan on May 8, 2026, to increase funding for Bridgeport Public Schools by $35 million through a combination of city...
- The funding proposal aims to provide a significant boost to the school district, though city officials have indicated that higher taxes may be required to facilitate the increase.
- A substantial portion of the proposed increase is derived from state legislative victories.
Mayor Joseph P. Ganim and Bridgeport city council leaders announced a plan on May 8, 2026, to increase funding for Bridgeport Public Schools by $35 million through a combination of city and state sources.
The funding proposal aims to provide a significant boost to the school district, though city officials have indicated that higher taxes may be required to facilitate the increase.
State Funding Contributions
A substantial portion of the proposed increase is derived from state legislative victories. Mayor Ganim credited the Bridgeport state legislative delegation for leading efforts in Hartford to secure $15 million in additional Educational Cost Sharing funding for the Bridgeport Board of Education.
In addition to the Educational Cost Sharing funds, the city secured $10 million in town aid through the Pequot-Mohegan Fund.
Local Funding and Tax Implications
To reach the total proposed $35 million increase, the city is pursuing additional local funding. According to the Connecticut Post, Bridgeport officials are considering maintaining higher car taxes to generate the necessary revenue under new state budget rules.
The plan to increase local funding was developed in consultation with Superintendent Avery and with the assistance of the Bridgeport state legislative delegation.