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Waterford board highlights year in review, adopts new art and career-technical curricula
Summary
The Waterford School District board reviewed progress on strategic goals—restorative practices, attendance interventions and family engagement—and voted to adopt an updated preschool–12 art curriculum and an expanded grades 6–12 career and technical education (CTE) program that aligns with state career clusters and industry credentials.
The Waterford School District Board of Education on Monday heard a year‑in‑review from district leaders that emphasized student well‑being, a data‑driven approach to school improvement and expanded career pathways, then approved multiple curricular updates intended to strengthen college and career readiness.
Superintendent remarks framed the presentation around board goals including strong instruction, student belonging and consistent assessment practices. Staff described a district data team that monitors school growth plans and a new district dashboard to align metrics across schools.
District officials outlined several operational changes intended to support those goals. Administrators said restorative practices required by Connecticut law are now embedded in responses to student behavior, favoring facilitated conversations and monitored plans over purely punitive measures. Separately, teams described individualized attendance interventions—ranging from frequent parent contact and case conferences to practical supports such as providing alarm clocks for students—aimed at reducing chronic absenteeism.
Board members also heard about professional development efforts. The district convened an “ed camp” in March attended by more than 300 staff; many sessions were peer‑led on topics including restorative practices, AI integration and special education updates, officials said.
On budget and funding, presenters reiterated that approximately 96% of the district’s operating funds are locally provided, and staff described a years‑long effort to offset local costs through competitive grants. Officials said the district received a recent Perkins competitive grant portfolio that funded items such as a 2026 award of $50,000 for VEX Robotics and previous grants for culinary and fabrication equipment.
Curriculum votes followed the presentations. The board adopted a revised preschool–grade 12 art curriculum that expands photography and digital design at the middle level and strengthens pathways to AP studio work. The board also approved a comprehensive revision of the grades 6–12 CTE program: administrators described an external gap analysis, a shift to semesterized courses to increase student choice, articulation of eight state career clusters, and the addition of industry‑recognized credentials (examples cited included culinary ServeSafe and paraprofessional exam pathways). Officials said Perkins and other grants will help cover equipment and startup costs.
The board approved the curricular measures as presented with motions made during new business. District leaders said the changes aim to create clearer middle‑school foundations that feed into high‑school career pathways and to provide equitable access to CTE programs for diverse student populations.
The meeting concluded for the agenda items and later moved into executive session to discuss the superintendent’s evaluation.
