Bridgeport Schools superintendent to retire

BRIDGEPORT - Bridgeport Exempted Village School District will be saying farewell to a leader whose belief and heart has directed the district for close to a decade. Superintendent Brent Ripley has announced his plans to retire as of Jan. 22, 2027.

Ripley's time at the helm of Bridgeport Schools concludes 33 years in education.

"Thank you for allowing me the privilege to lead, to serve, to pray for this district and to pour my whole heart into this work," he said in the announcement. "As I reflect on the past eight years, I do so with deep gratitude and countless memories."

Ripley's tenure as superintendent was a time of accomplishments, most recently the completion of the multipurpose Bridge that has opened its doors on the Bulldog campus this school year and is already expanding and enhancing educational opportunities and making Bridgeport Schools a center of services and community life.

The expanded College Credit Plus program is giving students an early introduction to high-level coursework and a head start on the next stage of their education. Bridgeport Schools has secured grants for ambitious projects, and more families have put their trust in the district, as seen with surging enrollment and increased community engagement.

"But what matters most to me is something deeper, our collective buy-in and our unwavering over-belief in our students and the future of this district."

Ripley said Bridgeport has been blessed with dedicated leaders who have made this success possible.

"What has been accomplished during the past eight years has been tremendous and it is the collective work of the administration team, the board, teachers, and classified staff," he said. "I knew Bridgeport was special, truly special, when I arrived on July 22, 2019 and began talking with the administration team. The memories I have with each of them and all of you will forever warm my heart."

Ripley added he and the board of education believed in each other and have gone on to plant seeds of legacy that will last a lifetime.

"That belief is, and always will be, our greatest accomplishment. Programs and buildings matter, but our students and the people we serve are legacies that will never be forgotten," he said.

He added that he will carry away the lessons of leadership, resilience, relationships and the true meaning of service he learned as part of the Bulldog family.

"When I look back on these eight years, I realize that Bridgeport has changed me as much as I have had the privilege of being part of its growth," he said. "I came here believing I could make a difference in Bridgeport. I retire knowing that Bridgeport made a difference in me."

In deciding on the district's next superintendent, the board of education will look for someone who will follow the example of commitment to the beliefs and values that have fueled Bridgeport Schools' success. "Power in the team" has been Ripley's mantra and he knows the school district will keep growing and excelling. He looks forward to seeing them challenge themselves as they write the next chapter.

"Selecting January as my retirement date was intentional and centered on what is best for this district. It provides the incoming superintendent with valuable time to learn about our culture and understand why we do what we do, build strong relationships with all, and continue advancing the bold, future-focused initiatives that will sustain Bridgeport's momentum for years to come. After all, leadership is about 'we,' not 'me,' and this transition is designed to position Bridgeport for continued success long after my tenure ends."

He added Bridgeport Schools' best days are still to come. This is their time and Ripley has complete confidence the district will continue to inspire, innovate and have a lasting impact long after his service.

"I am incredibly proud of all that the team has achieved, but I am even more excited about all that lies ahead for the students, community, administration, faculty and staff. They are simply incredible.”