Bridgeport, CT – In a historic first for the State of Connecticut, thanks to the hard work of the Bridgeport Delegation in Hartford, Bridgeport Public Schools has secured $74 million in state funding to construct a state-of-the-art special education center—marking a bold step in the district’s ongoing commitment to revamp and strengthen special education services. The center will serve as a model for equity, access, and sustainability, while setting a precedent for other districts across the state.
The new facility, which will replace the aging Bridgeport Learning Center, is designed to serve up to 260 K–12 students with complex learning needs. This project is part of Bridgeport Public Schools’ larger effort to prioritize students with disabilities by expanding in-district services, reducing out-of-district placements, and restoring essential resources back into the district.
“This new center represents a long-term investment in both our students and our district’s financial future,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery. “By creating strong in-house programs, we can better support our learners and retain critical resources within Bridgeport. I want to extend my deepest thanks to the Connecticut General Assembly and the entire Bridgeport Delegation for their hard work in this monumental allocation”
For years, the district has been burdened by the high cost of outplacement, spending over $22 million last year alone to send students to private programs due to a lack of adequate in-district options. The new special education center—slated for the North End—will reverse that trend, allowing students to remain in their home community and benefit from a consistent, high-quality learning environment designed specifically for their needs.
“This project speaks to what’s possible when state and local leaders work together in the best interest of children,” said Mayor Joseph Ganim. “The new special education center will not only serve students more effectively, it will also bring long-term savings and stability to our district.”
“This is what advocacy looks like,” said State Representative Christopher Rosario, Chair of the Bridgeport Delegation. “We knew how urgent the need was, and we fought together to bring this funding home. This new center is a win for our students, our families, and the future of public education in Bridgeport.”
The district has made special education reform a top priority in recent months, launching a Special Education Task Force, improving communication with families, and expanding access to services. This new center represents the next phase of that work, providing a permanent foundation for long-term improvements and better outcomes for students.
Bridgeport Public Schools is proud to lead the state in this critical area and is grateful to the Speaker of the House Matthew Ritter, Members of the General Assembly, Members of the Board of Education, Members of the Bridgeport City Council and Commissioner of Education Charlene M. Russell-Tucker for recognizing the urgency and statewide significance of this investment.