Dax Benway

The meeting included several presentations, such as staff years of service recognition, the announcement of the Purple Star designation for district buildings, an Art Appreciation Month showcase, and the presentation of I Make a Difference Awards. Reports were delivered regarding the Derby Recreation Commission Annual Report, plans for launching Homeschool Discovery Classes, a status update on the Food Service budget, and details regarding the upcoming senior graduation. Discussion topics focused on proposed curriculum updates for elementary science, PreK-8 music, and various high school social studies subjects, as well as plans for purchasing new volleyball nets and updates to educator evaluation forms. Action items included the approval of Middle School instructional resources and the awarding of a contract for Fiscal Year 2026 E-Rate internet and network services.

Key discussions during the meeting included reports from Board Members highlighting various district activities such as the Community Food Drive, Panther Pal games, and tours of several educational programs. The DNEA President addressed the recent negotiations letter exchange and fundraising successes. A presentation focused on Tanglewood Elementary, covering building-specific goals, recognition of a 3rd-grade student and a 4th-grade teacher, and acknowledgment of staff members for their years of service. The Consent Agenda covered various donations, an out-of-state travel request, personnel reports, and claims. Discussion centered on maintaining current instructional resources for middle school communications and technology, with the addition of Typing.com. Action items approved by the Board included the purchase of eight new vehicles, the recommendation of Lange Real Estate as the commercial realtor, approval for Summer School 2026 offerings for K-8 and high school students, approval for the Driver's Education program for Summer 2026, and the adoption of 'World of Chemistry by National Geographic' as new course resources for Derby High School Chemistry courses.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the adoption of the agenda and various reports. Presentations covered Cooper Elementary building-specific goals, recognition of staff for literacy achievements and years of service, and the presentation of the I Make a Difference Awards to staff and community partners. Routine actions involved Board Member Reports and thanks from the DNEA President. The Consent Agenda approved several donations, personnel reports, claims, and the appointment of a new Assistant Principal for Derby North Middle School. Reports included an update on the RSP Future Planning initiative, the Finance Department report covering audits and software implementation, and findings from the budget priorities process. Discussion topics involved the proposal for purchasing eight new vehicles, the recommendation of Lange Real Estate as the commercial realtor, details for Summer School 2026, and Driver's Education plans. Action items approved the 2026-2027 school calendar, proposed topics for the March 30, 2026 Board Workshop, the selection of ParentSquare as the Consolidated Communications Platform vendor, the purchase of staff MacBook Airs for device refresh, and the addition of two new courses within the Career and Technical Education pathways.

This future planning document for Derby Public Schools details the process and findings related to developing a strategic direction for early childhood education. It presents comprehensive committee discussions and community feedback on different early learning models, primarily comparing site-based and center-based approaches. The core focus is on ensuring equitable access, high-quality programming, effective staffing, smooth transitions, and sustainable capacity to improve kindergarten readiness, expand access, and elevate overall district outcomes.

The Board adopted the agenda as presented. Highlights from Board Member Reports included updates on recent community activities and school contests supporting the Ronald McDonald House. The DNEA President provided an update on conference week support. Presentations featured Swaney Elementary's building-specific goals and recognition for a student and two teachers for their exceptional effort and dedication. Staff members at Swaney Elementary were also recognized for their years of service. The Consent Agenda included donations, and the renewal of contracts for the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendents, Directors, and various staff members. Reports covered progress on the Strategic Plan, updates from the Technology Department (including cybersecurity and AI policy implementation), and updates from the Dyslexia Task Force Committee regarding assessment tools and reporting adjustments. Discussions included the proposed 2025-2026 school calendar, scheduling summer office hours, a proposed Board Workshop topic for reviewing strategic goals, and the recommendation to purchase MacBook Airs for the staff device refresh, which was under budget and utilized a state contract. Proposals were also presented for updating Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses in the Family, Community, and Consumer Services Pathway and the Corrections, Security Law, and Law Enforcement Pathway. Action was taken to approve two additional goals for Strategy 3 of the Strategic Plan related to Special Services, based on parent survey feedback, focusing on review of progress-monitoring practices and reporting to enhance parent understanding of student growth.