Bridgeport’s high school students will soon benefit from expanded mental health services thanks to a $1.2 million infusion of funding. The U.S. Department of Justice has awarded a $1 million federal grant aimed at preventing violence and improving classroom safety, while an additional $200,000 in state funds will bolster similar efforts.
The funds come at a critical time for the district, which is facing a nearly $39 million budget deficit. Officials have indicated that the deficit, largely driven by rising special education costs, may lead to layoffs in the coming months. However, the new funding will ensure the continuation of essential mental health programs, even amid these fiscal challenges.
Strengthening Mental Health Support
The grant, awarded to LifeBridge Community Services, a local nonprofit offering behavioral health programs, will allow the district to expand its mental health services for at least three more years. LifeBridge will use the funds to provide conflict de-escalation training for teachers, offer dedicated counseling services to students, and implement social-emotional learning curricula at Bassick, Central, and Harding high schools.
Acting Superintendent Royce Avery expressed optimism about the partnership, saying, “We are thrilled that students will continue to get the support they need, despite the district’s budget challenges. This collaboration with LifeBridge, the state, and the DOJ is exactly the kind of partnerships we are proactively seeking to secure additional resources that will help maintain programs that are vital to our students.”
Budget Deficit and Financial Strain
While the grant will help support these vital programs, Bridgeport’s school system is still grappling with significant financial challenges. The district is facing a $39 million budget shortfall, a situation exacerbated by an increase in special education costs. To address the deficit, Budget Chief Nestor Nkwo has proposed freezing spending and laying off several employees, particularly those hired during the pandemic with federal aid.
The pandemic relief funds were used for various purposes, including after-school programs, new technology, and mental health services, but have since expired. Now, the district must find ways to balance its budget while maintaining essential services, such as those supported by the LifeBridge grant.
Nkwo hopes that the $6.5 million in federal grant funds and a proposed $14 million withdrawal from the district’s savings fund will help bridge the gap.
A Community-Focused Approach
Mayor Joe Ganim praised the partnership, highlighting its positive impact on both students and school administrators. “The strategic implementation of this grant will help our school administrators focus on the challenges that our young people face daily as they receive the resources and care they need within our schools,” he said.
LifeBridge’s president and CEO, Edith Boyle, underscored the importance of addressing the root causes of violence and other behavioral issues in schools. “Children who witness violence, or fear impending threats or uncertainty about their safety, are more likely to have difficulty in school, abuse substances, show aggression, have difficulty forming attachments, experience mental health concerns, and are at risk of committing crimes once they reach adulthood,” she said.
A National Model for Violence Prevention
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, who was present for the announcement of the funding, described the program as a potential model for other school systems across the country. “I’m looking to all of you to show us how this program really works to provide a model for the country,” Blumenthal said. “There aren’t that many communities that are going to have it. We’re going to be looking to you to show us success so that the federal government, and maybe others, will commit even more support.”
Alongside the federal grant, the Connecticut Department of Public Health has also awarded $200,000 to the district for similar services, including social-emotional learning programs and staff training, reinforcing the importance of mental health support in schools.
Looking Ahead
With the new funding, Bridgeport is taking important steps to expand its mental health services, address violence prevention, and support students in need. While the district’s financial situation remains a concern, the continued collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies offers a promising path toward ensuring the well-being and success of Bridgeport’s students.
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