Superintendent: 2 Bridgeport schools off chopping block

Bridgeport's superintendent of schools says she is no longer considering closing two elementary schools in an effort to close a budget deficit.  Superintendent Fran Rabinowitz says closing down Hall

News 12 Staff

May 12, 2016, 12:22 AM

Updated 2,899 days ago

Share:

Superintendent: 2 Bridgeport schools off chopping block
Bridgeport's superintendent of schools says she is no longer considering closing two elementary schools in an effort to close a budget deficit. 
Superintendent Fran Rabinowitz says closing down Hall and Edison schools would have required them to relocate more than 200 students at each school, possibly causing overcrowding in some classrooms.
She said they considered the closures after learning from Gov. Dannel Malloy's latest budget proposal that they weren't receiving an increase in state funding. Rabinowitz said they were hoping for a $15 million increase to their school budget.
Now, she says they are thinking of making the cuts elsewhere, possibly jeopardizing more than 100 staff positions.
"It's heartbreaking. That's all I can tell you. It's unconscionable. It's cutting at the core of education. I have never in my career have had to make cuts like that," says Rabinowitz.
Despite the superintendent's push to keep the schools open the final decision will be left to the city's board of education. Rabinowitz adds the job cuts could be avoided if the city decides to allocate an additional $1.5 million for the school district. The funding is contingent on whether the city gets more ECS funding from the state.


More from News 12
2:34
Bridgeport sexual assault survivor shares story during Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Bridgeport sexual assault survivor shares story during Sexual Assault Awareness Month

2:13
On and off showers Friday; Temperatures return to normal this weekend

On and off showers Friday; Temperatures return to normal this weekend

2:27
17-year-old dies from gunshot to head, becomes Bridgeport’s 4th homicide victim this year

17-year-old dies from gunshot to head, becomes Bridgeport’s 4th homicide victim this year

2:17
Renters push for ban on 'no cause' evictions, but CT lawmakers are wary

Renters push for ban on 'no cause' evictions, but CT lawmakers are wary

0:46
CT electric bills set to increase following regulators' approval of rate adjustment

CT electric bills set to increase following regulators' approval of rate adjustment

Is your mom awesome? Connecticut tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Connecticut tell us why your Mom Rocks!

0:54
Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

2:05
Eversource announces suspension of new electric vehicle charging rebates

Eversource announces suspension of new electric vehicle charging rebates

0:22
NHL's Coyotes officially leaving Arizona - but won't be coming to Connecticut

NHL's Coyotes officially leaving Arizona - but won't be coming to Connecticut

1:58
Darien officials oppose proposed dispensary on Darien-Stamford border

Darien officials oppose proposed dispensary on Darien-Stamford border

2:05
Monroe police they have person of interest in nearly 50-year-old cold case

Monroe police they have person of interest in nearly 50-year-old cold case

0:50
'Art brings all people together.' Stamford art workshop promotes different cultures

'Art brings all people together.' Stamford art workshop promotes different cultures

0:24
Officials: Firefighter and occupant injured in Norwalk house fire

Officials: Firefighter and occupant injured in Norwalk house fire

0:29
Bills on magic mushrooms, ride-share transparency and 'nip' bottles will not become law

Bills on magic mushrooms, ride-share transparency and 'nip' bottles will not become law

0:58
Ellen Ash Peters dies at 94, was 1st woman to serve as chief justice of CT Supreme Court

Ellen Ash Peters dies at 94, was 1st woman to serve as chief justice of CT Supreme Court

3:30
Explore the classic old New England-feel in the town of Chester

Explore the classic old New England-feel in the town of Chester

2:15
Stamford HS senior receives full ride to college through golf caddie scholarship

Stamford HS senior receives full ride to college through golf caddie scholarship

0:24
Norwalk police: Miami man arrested for sexual assault after lengthy investigation

Norwalk police: Miami man arrested for sexual assault after lengthy investigation

0:51
Save money while helping the planet with these 12 energy-efficient tips

Save money while helping the planet with these 12 energy-efficient tips

0:29
Stamford police: driver involved in pedestrian crash in March faces negligent homicide charges

Stamford police: driver involved in pedestrian crash in March faces negligent homicide charges