In Bridgeport Monday night, there is a shortage of desks.

According to new superintendent Ted Downing, that’s a good thing. Downing told NEWS9 the district is expecting an additional 20 to 30 students this year, an increase of 5 percent.

He said the district is attracting students back it once lost to open enrollment, and even luring away students from other districts. Downing partly attributes the increase to the district’s new facilities, including a new pre-school and several new programs that have recently been implemented.

The increasing enrollment is a trend he would like to see continue in the future. “With what we have here, and the programs we have, we provide a very good education here for students and hopefully we’re going to do nothing but get better in the future,” said Downing.

Monday was the first day back to school for teachers. Kids will be back in the classroom starting Wednesday.