Bridgeport Public Schools officials say the district's special education program accounts for a third of the district's funding, and they want parents of the kids in that program to have a say in how the money is spent.

"That's why we're forming a new Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) - a collaborative forum that advises the Board of Education on policies and practices impacting the education, safety and well-being of students with disabilities," said Carli Reaes, director of Partnerships and Programs for Bridgeport Public Schools.

The district is inviting parents to a SEAC meeting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20 at 45 Lyon Terrace.

"We want parents to be part of this process of making the district's special education program better," Reaes said.

Emmanuella Ballabre has a 3-year-old daughter with special needs who is not yet in the Bridgeport Public School System, but she wants her to be.

"It's very challenging raising a child with special needs and it can be overwhelming, as well - because I want to make sure I do it right," Ballabre said.

Ballabre plans to attend the SEAC meeting.

"It's important to step up and be a part of the solution," she said.

"That's why I will be there," Ballabre said.