BRIDGEPORT – Leaders at Bridgeport Exempted Village School District are counting down the days until the long-awaited new multipurpose facility to be christened “the Bridge” opens its doors, after more than a year of construction. The board of education heard the latest updates ahead of the Aug. 13 ribbon cutting.
Nearly complete and ready on the district campus, the 31,000 square foot health, education and community center seemed to be holding its breath in anticipation of all the activity that will soon fill its rooms. Going forward, the Bridge will touch on every aspect of Bridgeport Schools’ mission.
The Bridge will host STEAM labs and expansions for the district’s College Credit Plus program. Medical services will be on-site for the community, and other service providers will give students more opportunities to try their hands at a variety of professions from veterinary to daycare as they discover their paths in life. The area’s many community organizations will also have an ideal location for their events.
On July 22 the board heard from Bridge Director Trina Kropka as she prepares for the Bridge’s inaugural year.
She reported visiting school-based multipurpose facilities at Campbell City Schools to share ideas. The trip introduced Kropka to new options for making the Bridge a center of community life. One of the Bridge’s strongest advantages is its versatility, since the spaces were designed for use by multiple services.
“We’re doing several things here that they haven’t even thought of, and they’re doing some things there that we haven’t. They’re intrigued with what we were able to do with the space that we had.”
Kropka added that the Bridge’s opening ceremony has garnered interest from the county and state, with officials planning either to attend the ribbon cutting if possible, or arranging to visit and view operations afterward. Teachers are excited, and the board agreed students should have a presence during the ribbon cutting, since the Bridge will be central to their education and training.
“Everything’s coming together for that night,” Kropka said.
She added the band and cheerleaders are looking forward to participating. The ribbon cutting will also feature food trucks.
Kropka recently welcomed personnel from TE Learning Center, who will provide daycare at the Bridge. She led them on a tour of the areas where they will work. They anticipate considerable activity once the Bridge is open and little ones get an early experience of Bulldog life.
“They have quite the list of kiddos wanting to come to the daycare. I think that’s going to be a really positive thing for the community, as well as hopefully enrolling into the school.”
The past months have been busy. In the closing days of the 2025/2026 school year, district staff walked through the nearly complete Bridge and saw the promising future opportunities that awaited their students. Now Kropka is making the final rounds and checking every item.
Kropka, who brings a background in health care and medical services, has been attentive to details such as the placement of automated external defibrillators and ensuring a supply of EpiPens in the event of emergencies. She said emergency services would also be readily able to navigate stairs.
“Everything is very well-organized and very well prepared.”
A walking track and the health and fitness center to be named “the Dog Pound” show the school district’s commitment to helping members of the community become the best versions of themselves. Administrators noted the golf simulators are operational and should prove very popular. The Bridge will host a Silver Sneakers program for seniors wishing to stay active.
Board member Patrick McConnaughy asked if community organizations have inquired about using the Bridge for their events. Kropka reported people have already shown interest in renting the Bridge’s space for birthday and graduation parties. The location is perfect for Bulldog alumni activities. The Rotary Club sees potential in the venue and Kropka said there have been discussions about the possibility of a job fair in the future.
The board meeting included approval of lease agreements with providers including Wheeling Hospital Inc., TE Learning Center, Coach Cole Fitness, L.L.C., the Jefferson County Educational Service Center and AV Ventures L.L.C. District leaders are also grateful for grants and donations to further enhance the Bridge.
