Leadership Shift Transition Discussed in Board Meeting Agenda
The Bridgeport school board is scheduled to hold its regular meeting on Tuesday, with a notable agenda item addressing the “discussion and possible approval of the appointment of Dr. Royce Avery as acting superintendent while Dr. Carmela Levy-David is out on temporary leave.” This decision follows the announcement that Superintendent Levy-David, appointed in June 2023, has been on leave since November 4, as district communications director Stacy Graham-Hunt confirmed. According to a message from School Board Chair Christine Baptiste-Perez, Levy-David’s leave was requested for personal medical reasons under federal law.
Dr. Avery, who joined the district shortly after Levy-David’s appointment, is expected to take over her responsibilities temporarily. Levy-David, who has a background in Texas’s Fort Bend Independent School District, was selected to lead Bridgeport’s public schools following a narrow 5-4 board vote. Her appointment came with a vision to elevate the district’s reputation and academic standards. However, her tenure has been met with support and criticism, sparking internal board discussions and contrasting evaluations from district stakeholders.
Bridgeport School Board Faces Community and Staff Pushback
The board’s response to Levy-David’s leadership Shift has been mixed, with some members citing concerns over her approach to district improvements. A recent teachers’ union survey in October revealed a staggering 97 percent of teachers expressing no confidence in her leadership, leading to public demonstrations and symbolic actions, such as faculty wearing black to the new school year’s launch. Board members Willie Medina and Robert Traber, part of a vocal faction advocating for a change in leadership shift, have called for a special meeting to assess Levy-David’s performance and discuss potential contract termination.
“There’s at least five of us who believe moving forward without her is best for the district,” Medina remarked, suggesting that even if Levy-David returns from leave, the board’s commitment to reassess her position will remain unchanged. Traber echoed this stance, stating, “We are open to discussions if she wishes to resign.” Mayor Joe Ganim, who had previously expressed support for Levy-David, did not respond to requests for comment on recent developments, adding another layer of ambiguity to the district’s leadership future.
Teachers’ Union and Bridgeport School Board Chair Offer Diverging Perspectives
While the district grapples with Levy-David’s temporary departure, reactions from the Bridgeport Education Association (BEA) indicate a general acceptance of the interim leadership plan. BEA President Jeff Morrissey stated on Monday, “The union is comfortable with the transition to Dr. Avery, and we’ve presented our concerns to the board. Now it’s their turn to act in the best interests of Bridgeport’s students.” Morrissey’s statement reflects the union’s earlier opposition to Levy-David’s policies, particularly after her proposals last winter to close six schools—a plan later modified to a district-wide facilities study in response to public outcry.
In contrast, Bridgeport school board Chair Baptiste-Perez has defended Levy-David’s dedication, praising her commitment to transforming the district, even amidst challenges. “Dr. Levy-David has been a beacon of hope for this district, which has faced historic underperformance,” Baptiste-Perez wrote, in a nod to her broader vision for improvement. However, Traber contested her optimistic appraisal, arguing that Levy-David’s tenure was marred by discord. “Her leadership has left staff feeling undermined and uncertain,” he asserted, highlighting the superintendent’s practice of reassigning staff members, which, according to him, fostered a tense atmosphere.
With the board preparing to address the leadership transition in Tuesday’s meeting, the Bridgeport community watches closely to see how the district will reconcile internal divides and set a path forward. As Dr. Avery steps in temporarily, discussions surrounding Levy-David’s leadership will likely continue to shape the district’s future trajectory.
