By Scott Elpers

The Derby Public Schools Board of Education met this past week to set goals for the upcoming school year.

Every year, the board sets specific goals for the district that can be monitored and evaluated. This year the board narrowed its focus to prioritize on graduation rates, college and career readiness, leadership and communication. 

After hearing reports from the district’s administrators on Aug. 6, the board brainstormed for more than four hours and came up with these five goals for the upcoming school year: 

By Jan. 1, the administration will propose benchmarks and activities to keep the community informed on bond progress.

By Feb. 1, the district will hold three training sessions increasing site council skills engaging the public, including the use of technology and social media.

By April 1, the board will get administrative reports on district and state entities regarding high school graduation and college and career-ready assessments in younger grades.

By April 1, the administration will share with the board past and current activities to develop leadership among teachers and administrators, including teacher leadership license and balanced leadership training.

By Feb. 1, the board will have the opportunity to discuss outcomes on its previous cultural initiative, which is a carry-over from last year’s goal. The board will review the building culture improvement goal process, and after hearing from all buildings, will review and revise the goal as necessary.