Students

Is Pereira Threatening New Lawsuit Over Charters?

Internet-troll extraordinaire Maria Pereira is at it again! Pereira, never one to back down from a virtual fight… or any fight for that matter, however ill-advised, left an irate comment on a recent Connecticut Mirror article. The article in question centered on the state Board of Education’s approval of four new charter schools, including two… Continue reading Is Pereira Threatening New Lawsuit Over Charters?

Students

Emails Reveal BOE Chair Baraka More Concerned with Her Reputation than the Safety of Bridgeport Children

An interesting email exchange between Superintendent Paul Vallas and Board Chairwoman Sauda Baraka reveals that Baraka is more interested in saving her hide than protecting students in Bridgeport schools. The series of emails revolve around the recent release of three videos tapes showing former Tisdale Elementary School Principal Carmen Perez-Dickson dragging two kindergarten students down… Continue reading Emails Reveal BOE Chair Baraka More Concerned with Her Reputation than the Safety of Bridgeport Children

Students

Ex-judge Who Sued Bridgeport’s School District Now Serving as ‘Counsel’ for Union-controlled Parent Group

You remember Carmen Lopez. Last year, the ex-judge filed what was ultimately determined to be a spurious lawsuit alleging that the Bridgeport Board of Education was wrong to extend Paul Vallas’ contract, the State Board of Education and education commissioner were wrong to allow that extension and that a UConn professor had somehow lied. Lopez’s… Continue reading Ex-judge Who Sued Bridgeport’s School District Now Serving as ‘Counsel’ for Union-controlled Parent Group

Budgets

Did Bridgeport’s Union Negotiate a 9 Percent Pay Hike?

Superintendent Paul Vallas provided a few precious details on the so-far-undisclosed teachers’ union contract at last night’s Board of Education meeting. The Working Families Party-led Board of Education approved the district’s new contract with the Bridgeport Education Association two weeks ago; however, the contract has not been released to the public or ratified by union… Continue reading Did Bridgeport’s Union Negotiate a 9 Percent Pay Hike?

Students

CORRECTION: New Working Families Party Chair Had History with Vallas Judge

Education Bridgeport recently reported that, in 2005, Bridgeport Working Families Party chair Maria Pereira was charged with violating a protective order, criminal mischief and reckless burning. [Maria Pereira, Superior Court Records] One of the judges presiding over Pereira’s case was none other than Barbara Bellis—the same judge that ruled against Vallas last summer. Pereira received… Continue reading CORRECTION: New Working Families Party Chair Had History with Vallas Judge

Students

Third “State of the Schools” Meeting Will Also Feature Bully Prevention Presentation

About two weeks ago, Superintendents Paul Vallas began a new series of “State of the Schools” community meetings–much like the ones held shortly after he came to the district. So far, Vallas has been to both Jettie S. Tisdale and Black Rock Schools. The third community meeting will be held at Luis Muñoz Marín School… Continue reading Third “State of the Schools” Meeting Will Also Feature Bully Prevention Presentation

Bridgeport · Students

Is It Ok for the BEA Contract to Use the Term “Mentally Retarded Children?”

Mayor Bill Finch told reporters earlier this year that Superintendent Paul Vallas has “never seen a contract as bad as this.” Believe it or not, Vallas may be on to something… I’m not quite sure what part of the contract he was referring to; however, after reviewing the contract myself, I noticed a few lines… Continue reading Is It Ok for the BEA Contract to Use the Term “Mentally Retarded Children?”

Students

Vallas Meets with Parents During “State of the Schools” Community Meetings

Last week, Superintendent Paul Vallas began a new round of “State of the Schools” community meetings, similar to those held two years ago when Vallas first came to the district. The first was held on Thursday at Jettie S. Tisdale Elementary, and the next will be held at Black Rock School on Thursday at 5:30pm.… Continue reading Vallas Meets with Parents During “State of the Schools” Community Meetings

Students

Groundbreaking Celebration at the New Roosevelt School Draws a Crowd

Thursday’s groundbreaking celebration drew quite a crowd. Over 200 Roosevelt students, parents, teachers and community members were in attendance. The festivities included performances by Roosevelt’s band, as well as their chorus, who sang “Bridgeport Reach” – A song written by Central High School’s choir about Bridgeport students. Mayor Finch, Superintendent Paul Vallas, and Board of… Continue reading Groundbreaking Celebration at the New Roosevelt School Draws a Crowd