Bridgeport School Superintendent Dr. Carmela Levy-David announced Wednesday that six schools will be closing over the next 36 months.

The decision comes after years of declining student performance and building deterioration.

Levy-David says closing the Bryant, Cross, Dunbar, Edison and Hall schools along with the Bridgeport Learning Center comes down to data.

"The percentage of students who meet the state's accountability standards in English language arts ranges from 7% to 15%. The scores in math are even more dismal," says Levy-David.

Levy-David says data shows 30% of Bridgeport students are meeting only the minimum standards for reading.

Officials say buildings such as the former Sheridan School have major structural challenges, including asbestos, noncompliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and a lack of fire sprinklers.

The main concern is where students will go.

"The decisions are going to be made on an individual basis based on the student's address. For those students who need transportation, we will provide transportation. For those students who are able to walk, they will have to walk," says Levy-David.

As for staff, Levy-David says there will be cuts through layoffs.

"We will do most of this through attrition, by not refilling vacant positions and retirements. We will honor our contract," she says.

Union leaders tells News 12 they hope there is enough support for faculty during this transition.

"You have to think about how long some of these teachers have been in these schools, and the connections and relationships they have, not only with students, but with the families, with the communities. Fiscally, it sounded like there is some uncertainty," says Jeff Morrissey, president of the Bridgeport Education Association.

Levy-David says plans to build new schools are in the works but that her current focus is getting the district back on track.