Policy Shifts and Unanswered Questions Lead to Unexpected Shakeup
In the start of our Fall 2024 semester our school experienced a temporary schedule change introduced by Ex-Superintendent Dr. Carmela M. Levy-David. The schedule change was supposed to last from Fall 2024 to Summer 2025 but was cut short due to backlash by students and teachers. This schedule change was one of several that were made by Dr. Carmela M. Levy-David that were considered controversial.
Further controversial issues arose with Levy-David as the year continued. According to reporting by the CT Post, the next dispute began when board member Joseph Sokolovic questioned Levy-David about her decision to hire employees and award certain contracts in ways that strayed from the district’s long-standing procedures. According to The Post, Levy-David flatly denied breaking any rules. She accused Sokolovic of attempting to undermine her by creating the appearance of impropriety and referred to his behavior as death by a thousand cuts. Finally, she challenged him to call a vote to have her terminated.
During the peak of the controversies, Dr. Carmela M. Levy-David took a temporary leave of absence. In October, according to WSHU, 97% of Bridgeport teachers who responded to a union survey about her leadership said they had no confidence in her. The board of Education came to a vote of 6-2 to negotiate a separation agreement with Levy-David. Dr. Royce Avery is currently the Bridgeport Public School’s acting Superintendent.
