Derby Board of Education to hold workshop Tuesday on excess cost funding

DERBY - The Board of Education is inviting the public to participate in an informational session covering Excess Cost Funding at 6 p.m.Tuesday.

The board is hosting a 30-minute workshop where members of the public will have the opportunity to hear from a number of state representatives and gain a deeper understanding of how the current Excess Cost Funding formula is impacting our district.

Planning to attend are state Representatives Nicole Klarides-Ditria, Mary Welander, Kara Rochelle, state Sen. Jorge Cabrera, and Co-Chair of the Legislative Education Committee, Jeff Currey - along with members of the Derby Board of Education and Superintendent of  Schools Dr. Matthew J. Conway, Jr.

Derby Board of Education Chairman Jim Gildea said, "Each child who is a part of the Derby public school family deserves to be educated. As part of that charge, we have seen our special  education costs rise significantly through the years. We feel that now more than ever we as a school system need to work with our area legislators towards ensuring that Derby receives their full share of the excess cost grant and the special education assistance we need. Our special education forum on Tuesday is one small step towards beginning the collaboration process with our
legislative delegation."

Conway said, "The state has historically underfunded the excess cost grant, leaving
municipalities with the extreme financial burden of costs for special education programs. This is an unsustainable model that unfairly impacts economically distressed municipalities with a high transient population."

The workshop will be held in the Derby Middle School cafetorium or you can participate via Zoom at the link below:


https://us02web.zoom.us/i/82639798664

Meeting ID: 826 3979 8664

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

CABE presents Derby Board of Education with award for team work

DERBY - The Board of Education has been recognized once again by the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education for exhibiting the most effective leadership, characterized by their ability to work together as a “team.” 

The CABE Board Recognition Awards are designed to recognize boards that provide effective leadership to their districts with good practices. 

This program acknowledges the importance of school board members and superintendents working together as effective teams and continues an important trend among school board associations across the country. 

CABE’s Board Leadership Award assesses 34 items in areas of Leadership/Student Achievement, Board Member Professional Development, Policy, Community Relations and Organizational Leadership, and Boards who apply must fulfill a minimum of 22 items across these categories to qualify. 

Superintendent Dr. Matthew J. Conway, Jr., said, “In the preceding year, our Board has steadfastly focused on establishing an inclusive process for crafting our new 5-year strategic plan, with a commitment to ensuring that every voice is not only heard but genuinely considered. Paramount in their priorities has been the assurance of safety and security within our schools, thereby safeguarding the well-being of all staff and students. 

"Furthermore, there has been a concerted effort to refine our coaching model, tailoring support to the distinctive teaching needs of our exceptional and amazing educators. The Board has exemplified the precise leadership necessary for fostering the growth of our district, educators, and, most importantly, our students. 

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude for their dedicated time, tireless effort, invaluable input, and unwavering support throughout this transformative journey,” Conway said.

Board Chairman Jim Gildea said, “Being honored as a board of distinction is one more positive accomplishment for the Derby school system.  The Board of Education is comprised of a strong bunch of volunteers, who donate countless hours to ensure that the students and the employees of the Derby school system have all of the necessary support that they need to be successful.  It is most rewarding to work with a group of individuals whose main priority is to work together to assure our school system thrives.” 

The award was presented at the CABE/CAPSS Annual Convention on Nov.17. 

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Derby Board of Education names Dean of Student Affairs for Irving, Bradley Schools

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

 

2 Derby Board of Education members win recognition

Laura Harris  Daniel P. Foley, Jr. DERBY - Board of Education member Laura Harris recently achieved the level of Master Board of Education Member in the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) Board Member Academy for the 2022-2023 school year.  Daniel P. Foley, Jr., Vice-Chair of the Derby Board of Education achieved the level of Certificated Board of Education Member. Harris was one of three board of education members recognized for their achievement in attaining this level by participating in numerous hours of board-related professional development activities for the 2022-2023 school year.  To achieve the Master Board of Education level, a board member must first accumulate at least 20 credits, becoming a Certificated Board of Education member. The Master Board of Education member must earn an additional 20 credits beyond the CBEM level.  The areas of study are leadership, effective meetings, school/community relations, strategic planning, group dynamics, board member ethics, school finance, labor relations, and school law. Foley earned CABE’s Certificated Board of Education Member designation.  Through his attendance at numerous CABE/CAPSS Conventions and workshops has acquired a wide variety of skill, knowledge, and ability.  To achieve the Certificated Board of Education member status he had to acquire 20 credits in the areas of board relations, policy, curriculum, school finance, school law, labor relations, and board operations. Board of Education Chairman Jim Gildea said, “Mrs. Harris and Mr. Foley are among the most engaged members that I have served with over the course of my 26 years on the Derby Board of Education. They always take the time to be the best members they can be, constantly improving as board members and participating in all

available learning opportunities. The Derby Board of Education is better because of their participation and representation. I consider it an honor to serve with both of them.” Dr. Matthew Conway, Jr. said, “This recognition is a testimony to board member Harris’ and vice chairman Foley’s incredible commitment to their role and relentless drive to stay up to date, learn more and go above and beyond to ensure our kids, our staff, this family is receiving to best support possible to learn, grow and excel in their own way." This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Derby Board of Education appoints new principal of Irving School

Marc Russo

DERBY - The Derby Board of Education recently appointed Marc Russo as principal of Irving School.
Russo came to the Derby Schools on Feb. 8, 2018 as Dean of Students at Derby Middle School. 

In August of 2019, he moved into the role of Elementary School Dean of Students serving both Irving and Bradley Schools. He has collaborated with principals to create a safe and supportive environment and establish deep-rooted community relationships.

Russo earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Providence College, a Masters of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of New Haven and a 6th Year in Educational Leadership from Quinnipiac University. Prior to his move to Derby, he taught Language Arts and Math in North Haven for 18 years while coaching baseball, softball, and football.

Russo said, “I am humbled and honored to be able to renew my service to Derby Public Schools as the principal of Irving School. My focus is centered on advancing student progress, fostering social-emotional wellness, and nurturing and growing the Irving School community. I believe building relationships, embodying kindness, and answering these three questions in collaborative decision-making: Did we do the right thing? Did we work to the best of our abilities? And, did we show people we care? Irving Wildcats will continue to show respect to ourselves, to others, and to our school!

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew J. Conway, Jr. said, “We are thrilled at Mr. Russo's appointment to the position of Principal at Irving School. Mr. Russo brings his years of experience, relationship building and support for students, staff and families to his new role as principal. In Mr. Russo's 3-year tenure as Dean of Students for Irving and Bradley schools he has developed into a leader earning the respect of many students, staff and family members. With this type of experience in the school and district, he will hit the ground running. We were very fortunate to have had a highly competitive pool of candidates and Mr. Russo rose to the top throughout the process.

Board chairman Jim Gildea said, “Marc has a wealth of experience working with our students and staff both at the middle school and at the elementary school levels. Marc did an outstanding job in a very competitive hiring process and garnered strong support amongst all of the relevant stakeholders; parents, staff, administrators and board members, all whom were represented on the hiring committee. As Marc was the type of administrator, who rolled his sleeves up and jumped right in, he will offer a strong sense of continuity and I am confident that the school will continue to excel and maintain the close-knit family atmosphere that exists there.”

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Derby students receive Leadership Awards, win plaudits

DERBY - The Board of Education and Superintendent, Dr. Matthew J. Conway Jr., recently recognized students for receiving the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education Student Leadership Awards. 
The students received this award for their leadership, more specifically in the areas of taking on challenges, ability to make difficult decisions, concern for others, ability to work well with others, and diplomacy.

Derby Middle School students Danthy Nguyen and Zachary Fish and Derby High School students Kaylee Olenoski and Timothy Jordan were recognized at the May 7 Board of Education meeting.
Board of Education Chairman Jim Gildea said, “We are very fortunate in the Derby achool system to be blessed with such outstanding students. The Board of Education is continually impressed with the caliber of our students and the leadership skills that they display. The students who received the CABE Student Leadership Awards are all deserving students whose stars shine bright and whose actions show that they are leaders amongst their peers. They are most deserving of their awards and it is an honor to be able to recognize them.”

Conway said, “Receiving this recognition is a testimony to their ability to work with others and lead side by side through challenges. These are skills they will continue to practice every day as they develop as leaders and help shape our future.”
CABE Area 7 Director and Board of Education Member George Kurtyka said, “The CABE Student Leadership Awards Program is designed to honor Connecticut High School and Middle School students who exhibit exemplary leadership skills. Two students from each school, in a CABE member district, are eligible to receive the CABE Student Leadership Award. Derby is fortunate to have two students from our Derby High and Derby Middle Schools that meet, and in my opinion exceed, their leadership skills. Congratulations to our students!"


This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Derby Board of Education, Superintendent win CABE recognition

DERBY – The Connecticut Association of Boards of Education recently recognized the Derby Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Matthew J. Conway, Jr. for exhibiting excellence in educational communication by honoring them with the Bonnie B. Carney Award.

In 1975, CABE established the Awards of Excellence in Educational Communication to
recognize the good work done on a daily basis.

The board won awards in two submissions in the Excellence for Educational Communication. 
The first is for its use of social media, utilizing its website, YouTube account, Facebook and 27 Twitter handles to communicate district information and promote and broadcast events to families and the community. 
The second award was for Irving School’s broadcast news network, W-IRV News, which is a daily broadcast of school news and events to keep families and the community aware of the happenings at the elementary school.

In addition, the board was awarded Honorable Mention in two categories: the district
calendar and the Derby Public School’s Budget Presentation to the Board of Apportionment
and Taxation.

“The Derby Board of Education was happy to hear that our school system won the Bonnie B. Carney Award for Excellence in Educational Communications,” said Board Chairman Jim Gildea. 
“We recognize the importance of ensuring all relevant stakeholders are communicated with regularly. We recognize that it takes a community to educate our students and we are excited that our efforts to communicate with our parents, students, staff and community members has been noticed.”

“We are thrilled to receive this award again,” Conway said. “It is recognition of the creative ways staff and students have engaged in communicating with each other, our board, parents and the community at large. They model effective communication and use social media as a way to share the great things going on in our schools and classrooms.”


This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

New Irving principal: "Proud to be a part of the Derby family"

Aimee Misset is new principal of Irving School in Derby. At left is Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway; at right is Board of Education Chairman Jim Gildea./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The Board of Education appointed Aimee Misset principal of Irving School. 
The appointment was made on the recommendation of the Selection Committee and Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway.

Misset comes to Irving School from her position as Supervising Vice-Principal at Driggs Elementary School in Waterbury. 
She began her career in 2005 in Waterbury. Prior to entering administration, she served as a classroom teacher, Title 1 Reading Teacher, and a Literacy Facilitator. 
Her strong background in literacy, instruction, and data driven decision making have allowed her to effectively evaluate staff and make decisions to positively impact student achievement. 
Her training in school climate and restorative practices helped her build rapport necessary to provide a safe, trusting environment where all stakeholders can flourish.
Misset is also a strong proponent of parent and community engagement and collaboration. She plans to continue holding many community events and finding new and innovative ways to provide opportunities to enrich the lives of students and families.

Misset believes strong relationships are the cornerstone of a successful school and, when staff and students feel recognized and respected, they are more willing to take the risks that lead to true learning. 
She said,“On my first visit to Irving, I could feel the positive energy. The building buzzed with student-focused energy and excitement and I left with a huge smile on my face. My core values align so well with the work Irving is already doing. I am proud to be a part of the Derby family and am very passionate about helping Irving continue to grow.”

Conway said, “Aimee joins our Derby family with all the knowledge, skills, and drive to continue the great work at Irving. She has already hit the ground running, working with teachers, staff, parents, our state level partners and community partners to ensure a fantastic start of the school year.”

Board of Education Chairman Jim Gildea said, “Aimee comes to us highly recommended from all of the relevant stakeholders in her last community. Whether it was parents, staff, students or community members, one message that came across loud and clear was that Aimee was able to easily connect with all groups and has made an indelible mark on the school system. Irving School is a special school and we are lucky to have Aimee at the helm.”

Two school events have already been planned to give families an opportunity to meet Misset and kick off the school year as a community.
A Meet and Greet the Principal Read Aloud has been planned in conjunction with Derby Public Library for Aug. 21 from 6-7 p.m. in the main meeting room of the library. 
Families and community members will have the opportunity to meet Misset. She will introduce herself and share some books that have special meaning to her. 
Light refreshments will be served and children will be able to enter a raffle for some new books.
The Irving Back to School Bash will occur Sept. 5 from 5-7 p.m. in the parking lot/playground area. All Irving families are invited. 
The Ice Cream Emergency truck will be there with sweet treats and music. Games will be set up for family fun. 
Community partners have also been invited to join and let families know about resources and activities available to them.


This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Derby Board of Education wins recognition from state association

DERBY - The Derby Board of Education was recognized Thursday by the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) for receiving the Bonnie B. Carney Awards of Excellence for Educational Communications.

The Connecticut Association of Boards of Education is celebrating Board of Education Member Appreciation Month in March, and is asking all citizens to join them in building awareness and understanding of the vital function an elected board of education plays in our society. 
Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway said, "I ask you to join me in recognizing the incredible work of the Derby Board of Education and thank them for their relentless pursuit of excellence for your child and this city. They selflessly sacrifice their time and countless hours listening, learning, researching and advocating for what is best for our kids, our district, our city and this family.
"Through the leadership and guidance of Chairman Jim Gildea and the trust and support of the members of the Board, every administrator, teacher, staff member, and student is given a voice, so together, as a family, we continue to improve and make decisions that are best for our kids."

Gildea said, "This board has a clear and consistent track record for putting the interests of our children at the center of all that we do. We are a committed team of individuals who combine our collective experiences to always ensure the school system has the tools they need to keep moving the bar higher. It is an honor to serve with such dedicated people."
Please reach out and thank a board member today. It is a small but meaningful gesture of the gratitude we have for their service."


This is a press release from Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway.