Board of Education urged to address concerns raised by teachers and parents
Ongoing complaints and issues being raised by Bridgeport teachers and parents have gone unanswered by the superintendent and now they are expressing their dissatisfaction with her leadership in a new survey and urging the Board of Education to take action.
According to the survey, nearly all (97%) respondents have no confidence in the superintendent’s ability to manage the school system effectively. The survey, conducted by the Bridgeport Education Association (BEA), highlights a growing sense of frustration, fear of retaliation, and a lack of resources within the district.
“The results of this survey should come as no surprise and should be a wake-up call to the Board of Education to take action,” said CEA President Kate Dias. “Our teachers have held rallies and are speaking loud and clear: they feel unsupported, unappreciated, and fearful of retaliation if they voice their concerns. It’s unacceptable that so many educators are considering leaving the district, and it’s a direct reflection of the superintendent’s failure to foster a collaborative and respectful environment. We need leadership that listens to teachers, addresses the real issues in our schools, and works with us to provide our students with the resources and support they deserve.”
Nearly 600 Bridgeport educators completed the survey. It underscores a deep divide between teachers and district leadership:
- 97% of teachers lack confidence in the superintendent’s leadership.
- 93% expressed fear of retaliation if they voice concerns about current conditions.
- 93% report the superintendent unprofessional in dealings with teachers and staff.
- 92% say the superintendent lacks consistency in carrying out policies and procedures.
- 88% believe policy decisions are not based on research
- 80% of teachers are considering or have considered leaving Bridgeport for a position in another district.
In their comments, many teachers pointed to systemic issues within the district, including inadequate resources, a serious lack of support for special education, and a troubling climate of distrust. Several educators shared their personal experiences of being disrespected or dismissed by the administration when raising concerns.
“The superintendent has never taken the time to truly understand the root causes and systemic challenges in Bridgeport. Instead, she has tried to focus on low-level compliance measures that have little to no evidence of improving student outcomes.”
“The only times the superintendent has made a shift in implementation of her directives, or asked for teacher input, has been when she has found herself publicly shamed in the media for her actions. It has never been for the sake of our students and teachers, it has only been to protect herself.”
“I don’t like coming to work anymore. My mental health is suffering. I have anxiety, stress, or headaches daily. I feel overworked and under-appreciated.”
“It was already more challenging to be a teacher in Bridgeport than in other districts. Rather than address our existing problems, the superintendent has created so many more.”
“I am disheartened at the direction of the school system. I am absolutely fearful of retaliation and do not have any confidence in the superintendent’s ability to lead this district going forward. Too much damage has been done, and I have lost all faith in her ability to lead.”
“I have never heard the superintendent say anything positive about the teachers and students who make up the Bridgeport school system. She often refers to the students as failures and blames the teachers.”
The survey also revealed particular concerns about special education. Teachers reported inappropriate placements for students, overburdened caseloads, and insufficient support, creating what they describe as a crisis for both students and staff.
“We will always stand up to protect teachers and students from superintendents who fail to address the changes our schools need,” said Dias. “Our educators deserve a leader who respects their expertise and works collaboratively to solve the challenges facing our schools. We need leadership that listens to teachers, addresses the real issues in our schools, and works with us to provide our students with the resources and support they deserve. It’s time for the district to prioritize solutions that make a real difference for both students and staff and that means a new administrator to lead the district forward.”
Next Steps
The complete survey results will be shared with the Bridgeport Board of Education members tomorrow, urging them to address the significant concerns raised by teachers.
Dias concluded, “We will continue to advocate with resolve and determination to do what’s right for our students and our profession.”
