Superintendent unveils 2025–26 district improvement plan emphasizing proficiency, belonging and AI literacy

Superintendent Erica Voorhees presented the Weston Public Schools’ district improvement plan for the 2025–26 school year, outlining goals and action steps across academics, culture and climate, technology/AI literacy, safety and facilities planning.

The plan’s central aim is to develop students who “think critically, collaborate effectively, communicate clearly, create imaginatively, and act as responsible citizens,” according to Voorhees. District leaders described a set of measurable goals and related action steps:

- Mathematics: Implement problem-based Illustrative Mathematics (grades 1–8), continue Building Thinking Classrooms strategies, and strengthen multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) through data teams and instructional coaching to raise achievement and growth targets.

- Literacy: Continue roll-out of new literacy curriculum at intermediate grades (3–5), use curriculum-based measures and universal screeners to guide differentiated instruction and increase access to high-interest authentic texts.

- Science: Expand inquiry- and phenomenon-based learning aligned to NGSS and grow the use of curriculum-based assessment tools (Inner Orbit) and visible thinking routines.

- Culture and climate: Increase sense of belonging through restorative practices, rollout of No Place for Hate at Weston Middle School, and improved Panorama survey participation to measure outcomes for students, staff and families.

- Digital and AI literacy: Director of digital learning Dan DeVito outlined two initiatives: embedding ISTE/AASL-aligned digital-literacy units across curricula and developing a comprehensive, stakeholder-informed plan for responsible generative-AI use (professional development, family education and ethical guidance). The board scheduled an AI advisory update for a curriculum subcommittee meeting in January.

- Safety and security: Director Jim Wiltsie summarized layered security measures (training, improved access control, expanded camera coverage and radio/communication upgrades) and ongoing coordination with Weston Police and EMS. Planned campus projects include access alarms and a roadway guardrail near School Road.

- Future facilities planning: The district will form community focus groups and begin enrollment projection work in November; administration plans a grant submission by June 2026 to secure potential state reimbursement for capital work and will present options to stakeholders prior to any referendum.

Board members commended the plan’s use of multiple evidence indicators (standardized tests, formative measures, Panorama surveys) and its emphasis on implementation fidelity. Several board members urged continued attention to implementation details and resourcing — for example, lunch period timing and food-service operational changes tied to the wellness policy — and suggested the board use subcommittees to dig deeper into MTSS and AI integration.

Why this matters: The DIP sets measurable targets across core academic and operational priorities and directs how the district will allocate staff time, professional development and committee work for the year. It also signals priorities that will influence budget discussions and potential facility planning requests.

Ending: The board accepted the plan for discussion and will examine specific subcommittee presentations and data updates (MTSS deep-dive in November; AI advisory update in January). Administrators invited board members and community stakeholders to participate in forthcoming working groups and scheduled data-driven progress updates throughout the year.