Gov. Ned Lamont met with a dozen Bridgeport teachers in Black Rock Friday as the state prepares to intervene and help lead the troubled Bridgeport School District.

The district is facing a $32 million budget deficit and has chronically underperforming students.

"We are going to do everything we can to make sure these kids, whom I care about a lot, are well served by their school district," Lamont said.

The meeting took place at the Bridgeport Regional Aquaculture Science & Technology Education Center, where Lamont listened to a group of teachers express their dismay over everything from recent layoffs to chronic staffing shortages.

The State Board of Education voted Wednesday to step in and help lead the district, thanks to a state law that allows the Connecticut Commissioner of Education to take this unusual step, when necessary.