The Bridgeport Board of Education unanimously appointed Deputy School Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery as acting superintendent during a meeting last night.
The move comes after the Bridgeport Education Association has experienced months of frustration, fear of retaliation, and a lack of resources within the district. In a recent survey, 97% of members indicated they had no confidence in Superintendent Carmela Levy-David’s ability to manage the school system effectively.
More than 500 teachers shared their concerns at a union meeting in September that was followed by a rally outside City Hall where teachers, parents, and community members demanded action. Poor district leadership again made the news when the superintendent failed to notify educators about threats targeting district schools.
Bridgeport Education Association President Jeff Morrissey said, “We have made our voices heard loud and clear and have presented valuable information. It is now up to the board of education to do what is right for the city of Bridgeport and its students.”
At last night’s meeting the board also directed the district’s lawyers to “negotiate a resolution” of Levy-David’s employment status but did not detail what a resolution would entail. Levy-David is currently on medical leave.
“The BEA is comfortable with Dr. Avery stepping in and is looking forward to a collaborative working relationship,” Morrissey said.
Avery is a former Austin, Texas-area school district superintendent who began his career in education three decades ago as a special education teacher. He has served as Bridgeport’s deputy superintendent since September 2023.
“I am very excited and honored to become the acting superintendent,” Avery told the Connecticut Post after last night’s vote. “I just want the community to know that I’m committed, and I’m here to stay as long as I’m needed.”
