The Voice of the District

What does it take to help every student succeed in mathematics? In this episode of The Voice of the District , we sit down with Tito Planas, Director of Mathematics for Bridgeport Public Schools, to discuss the district's vision for math education and the work underway to strengthen instruction across every classroom. Tito shares how educators are helping students build confidence, develop cr...

Born and raised in Bridgeport, Principal Thompson's journey is a powerful example of perseverance, dedication, and the impact of public education. In this episode of The Voice of the District , Principal Thompson reflects on his path from Bridgeport Public Schools student to paraprofessional, educator, and now principal of Harding High School. He shares how his experiences growing up in the c...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. David Abbey of the Connecticut State Department of Education Technical Assistance Team to discuss the continued work and progress happening within the Bridgeport Public Schools Special Education Department. The conversation highlights the district’s adopted 2025–2026 Special Education Goals, focused on strengthening compliance, improving instructional support,...

The Voice of the District | Featuring Dr. Sarah Jane Henry, Principal of Dunbar School In this episode of The Voice of the District, we sit down with Dr. Sarah Jane Henry, principal of Dunbar School, to talk about her journey in education, her passion for student success, and the work happening each day inside the Dunbar community. Dr. Henry shares her vision for creating a positive and supportive...

Bridgeport leaders, elected officials, educators, and community members gathered at Fairchild Wheeler Interdistrict Multi-Magnet Campus to celebrate historic investments secured for Bridgeport Public Schools and the collective partnership that made it possible. Mayor Joe Ganim, Interim Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery, Chair of the State Delegation Christopher Rosario, members of the Bridgeport legi...

In this episode of The Voice of the District , Bridgeport Public Schools highlights its partnership with Sacred Heart University through the Teacher Residency Program. This conversation focuses on how the district is building a stronger, more sustainable pipeline of educators by connecting preparation directly to the realities of the classroom. Through this collaboration, future teachers gain hand...

In this episode, we sit down with Lindsay Davis, Director of Early Childhood for Bridgeport Public Schools, to talk about the foundation of student success. Lindsay shares her journey into education, what inspired her to focus on early childhood, and how that work is shaping outcomes across the district. We also take a closer look at Pre-K enrollment, including what families need to know and why s...

In Episode 11 of The Voice of the District , we sit down with Edith Boyle, President and CEO of LifeBridge Community Services, and Tia Reid, Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services, for a meaningful conversation on the power of partnership in supporting Bridgeport students and families. Together, they share insight into the vital role LifeBridge plays across our schools—from providing behavi...

In Episode 10 of The Voice of the District , we sit down with Bridgeport Mayor Joseph P. Ganim for a thoughtful and forward-looking conversation centered on the future of our city and our schools. Mayor Ganim reflects on his years in public service and shares insight into the experiences that continue to shape his leadership today. The discussion highlights exciting developments happening across B...

In this episode of The Voice of the District , we sit down with Natasha Gravina and Kiara Luna, co-chairs of the Bridgeport Public Schools Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC). As parents and advocates within the district, they share what inspired them to step into leadership and why family voice is so important in shaping special education services. Together, we discuss the role of SEAC and...

In Episode 08 of The Voice of the District , we are joined by Faith Villegas, Executive Director, and Armando Jimenez, Director of Development, to discuss the impact of Bridgeport Public Education Fund and the Bridgeport Promise program. Since 1983, Bridgeport Public Education Fund has supported local students by mentoring and preparing them for success in college, careers, and life. In this episo...

Episode 07 of The Voice of the District features Robert Traber, Board of Education Member for Bridgeport Public Schools. In this episode, we discuss what fully funding the Education Cost Sharing formula would mean for Bridgeport students and what funding gaps still remain. Mr. Traber also shares insight on the Governor’s proposed Blue Ribbon Panel, the launch of the Board’s Ad Hoc Advocacy Committ...

In this episode, we focus on Connecticut’s short legislative session, a critical period when state lawmakers make key budget and policy decisions that directly affect our city and our public schools. To help break down what this means for Bridgeport, we are joined by Constance Vickers, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Bridgeport. With deep experience in government and public pol...

In Episode 05 of Voice of the District , Interim Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery discusses the district’s proposed budget and the long-standing funding challenges facing Bridgeport Public Schools. Dr. Avery explains that these challenges did not happen overnight and are the result of decades of underfunding that affect urban districts across Connecticut. Rising costs and growing student needs, part...

In this episode of The Voice of the District, we sit down with Dr. Monette Ferguson, Executive Director of Alliance for Community Empowerment (Alliance CT), to discuss the critical role community partnerships play in supporting students and families in Bridgeport. Dr. Ferguson shares how Alliance CT’s work in health, wellness, economic stability, and family resilience is making a direct impact in...

In this special episode of The Voice of the District , Bridgeport Public Schools highlights the district’s Debate Program through the voices of two student debaters who share a preview of the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day Debate . Students discuss the importance of debate, critical thinking, and civic engagement, and reflect on how the program helps them develop confidence, leadership, and t...

THE VOICE OF THE DISTRICT Episode: Conversation with Board of Education Chair Jennifer Perez Bridgeport Public Schools is proud to share a new episode of The Voice of the District , featuring Jennifer Perez, Chair of the Bridgeport Board of Education. In this episode, Chair Perez reflects on her role and responsibilities as Board Chair, the priorities guiding the district as we move into the new y...

In this special health update, Bridgeport Public Schools is joined by the City of Bridgeport Department of Health to share important information regarding a confirmed measles case in a nearby town and what families need to know. Dr. Elizabeth Rivera-Rodriguez and Lizette Earley, Nursing Supervisor for Bridgeport Public Schools, discuss measles prevention, Connecticut’s vaccination requirements, an...

Bridgeport Public Schools is proud to share Episode 2 of The Voice of the District , featuring State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, a dedicated advocate for public education and a strong partner to the Bridgeport community. In this episode, Senator Gadkar-Wilcox reflects on her personal and professional journey to public service, sharing the pivotal moments that led her to serve as a State Senator....

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In this episode of The Voice of Bridgeport , we feature a segment from Melissa in the Morning and Jon Kamal discussing Unified Address 2025. Originally aired on WICC, this conversation provides an outside perspective on Bridgeport Public Schools’ first-ever Unified Address and the vision shared by Interim Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery. Send us Fan Mail