District emphasizes coaching and equity-focused professional development; Institute Day celebrated 'Communities of Belonging'

Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Dr. Craig Curtis summarized the district's professional development strategy, including Institute Day programming, curriculum committees (math, library), instructional rounds and expanded coaching supports in collaboration with neighboring districts and NSSEO.

Curtis described the January Institute Day as a mix of whole-staff and building-level team work, led by building principals and supported by district coaches; he said the day reinforced a theme of "Communities of Belonging." The district is investigating curriculum materials, continuing implementation of adopted science materials, expanding MTSS interventions and piloting newcomer supports. The memo lists scheduled committee meetings for math and library curriculum and details ongoing coaching work for differentiated instruction and special-education adaptations. The board received the update with no action required; the administration said the next Institute Day in April will center on equity and three learning stations for staff.