Derby board authorizes RFPs and approves elementary science curriculum

At its Dec. 8 meeting the Derby Board of Education voted unanimously to publish two requests for proposals and to adopt new elementary science curriculum recommendations.

Dennis Ellich, the district's director of technology, and Katie Carlson, director of communications, asked the board to authorize publishing an RFP for a communications tool replacement so the district can solicit vendor proposals; the board approved the request to publish the RFP 7-0. Ellich said staff will return with responses and a recommendation after evaluation.

Burke Jones, director of operations, briefed the board on an RFP to prequalify commercial real estate firms to assist with master-planning work; the board authorized that RFP and asked staff to bring evaluation results and recommendations in January.

Dr. Holly Putnam Jackson, assistant superintendent for teaching and learning, recommended adoption of two elementary science curricula — PhD Science by Great Minds and Smithsonian Science — and the board approved the recommendation 7-0. Board members who reviewed sample sessions said they "loved both of these curriculums" and moved to approve.

The board also approved the consent agenda — including donations to El Paso and Park Hill elementaries, a grant to Derby High School from the Credit Union of America and other personnel items — in a single 7-0 vote.

Implementation: staff described planned next steps including publishing the RFPs, evaluating responses, and scheduling curriculum rollout and teacher orientation.