Photo Provided The leadership team at Bridgeport Exempted Village School District is looking to 2026 as a pivotal year for the district and the wider communities. Pictured seated from left are Treasurer David Nelson, Superintendent Brent Ripley, Board President Kori Rosnick and Vice President Ryan Kreiter. Standing from left are board members Karrie Puskas, Don Cash and Patrick McConnaughy.

BRIDGEPORT — The atmosphere at Bridgeport Exempted Village School District is charged with optimism as district leaders look to 2026, with growth and new opportunities on the horizon.

The biggest news is the grant-funded education, health and community facility to be dubbed “the Bridge,” being constructed on campus and well on its way to completion by August.

During the board’s most recent meeting the leadership team on the board of education shared what they foresee for the district and its role in benefiting the wider communities.

Kori Rosnick took her oath as president of the board. She looks forward to the Bridge making the school district and its services a centerpiece of the area.

“The public is excited to tie into the district a little bit differently. It gives them an opportunity to be present more at the school, and us to be more present in the community,” she said.

“I’m deeply honored to serve on this board and to hold the position of board president during the opening of this life changing facility,” she said. Rosnick commended the leadership of board member Patrick McConnaughy, who concluded his term as board president. “I’m looking forward to continuing the positive momentum. We really do have the best team.”

Rosnick added a doctor’s office and dentist’s office in the Bridge will serve as a convenient location for members of the public who need those services. She also expects new educational offerings that will strengthen the area for generations.

“I am excited for the new programs this is going to bring about for the kids. It’s going to give them so many different opportunities to step out and raise families and stay here in the Valley once they graduate.”

Ryan Kreiter was sworn in as vice president. He looks forward to seeing Bulldog students take advantage of expanded College Credit Plus classes, as well as the district forming more and closer partnerships with higher education.

“Going into 2026 for the Bridgeport School District, this could be one of the most exciting times in the history of our district,” he said. “I hope everyone in the community embraces the Bridge and the idea around it. It’s going to totally revitalize Bridgeport.”

Karrie Puskas anticipates a year of growth and new purpose for students as they embrace challenges, becoming stronger learners and better citizens. Another promising element of the Bridge is a Silver Sneakers program for older adults.

“So locally, they don’t have to drive over to Wheeling or anywhere for a workout facility. They’re able to come right here at Bridgeport and they’re able to use the walking track and use the exercise room,” she said. “Once it opens, everybody’s welcome. Come and check it out. See what there is to do.”

Long time board member Don Cash said the community has essentially gotten a winning lottery ticket and the Bridge is the biggest project since the construction of the present school complex.

“This is going to be one of the most impactful years in the history of the school district,” he said. “It’s a game changer.”

He reflected on the important needs the Bridge will fulfill.

“The parents and the kids are real excited because they know what’s going on, and the older people in the community are really excited to have the opportunity to have a fitness center and a place to congregate and have events.”

McConnaughy is proud of what the district has accomplished, adding that the leadership team has upheld the ideals of honesty, integrity and transparency throughout.

“I’m looking forward to 2026. We’re about eight or nine months away from opening the Bridge, which is going to be awesome for the community, the kids, the district, all the communities as a whole.”

He said ahead of the ribbon cutting, planners will launch a fresh initiative to get word out to the public about the varied options to be housed in the Bridge.

“The most important thing about it is it’s going to offer the kids a lot more unique and future thinking opportunities, but it’s also going to offer the community something, accessibility to a walking track and community room, use of the gym for events and things like that. Obviously having the weight room is going to benefit both the community and the kids as well.”

During the January meeting, Rosnick said she was impressed with the construction progress during Christmas break. Superintendent Brent Ripley reported workers will pour concrete for the health and fitness center floor the following week. Steel framing is also being installed around space for the health care center and day care.

They also heard from student board members. Juniors Cole Weekley and Amber Polomik presented some ideas on behalf of the student council and clubs, including student IDs for more convenient operation once the Bridge is complete and in use. They also suggested exploring options for offering a second foreign language class.

In addition, they reported the class of 2026 graduates have expressed an interest in alumni activities and involvement at the Bridge. Also, they related some recent activities where older students worked with the elementary kiddos.