Bridgeport Public Schools Expands Family Support as Funding Gap Drives Transportation Changes

Bridgeport, CT — Bridgeport Public Schools continues to navigate serious financial challenges, including an approximate $67 million budget gap last year which the district managed to close and a projected shortfall in FY26-27. To balance the budget while preserving classroom instruction and essential student services, the district made the difficult decision last spring to adjust student transportation eligibility which extended students walking distance.

Effective this fall, the walking distance requirement has increased to 1.5 miles for elementary students and 2.5 miles for high school students. While this change may affect some families, it was made out of necessity to avoid deeper cuts to academic programs, staffing, and classroom resources. The district will continue working with cit