Board adopts SlideSoft behavioral threat-assessment tool for middle and high schools

The Derby Board of Education approved the district’s recommendation to implement the SlideSoft behavioral threat-assessment tool at Derby High School, Derby Middle School and Derby North Middle School beginning in the 2026–27 school year. Becky Mader, assistant superintendent of human resources, said the recommendation includes both the internal Columbia suicide screener used by social workers and an external assessment component trialed at Derby High.

“We are recommending both the internal and external assessment components that we did trial at Derby High School,” Mader told the board during the presentation. Board members asked no substantive objections and approved the motion by voice vote, 7-0. Staff described SlideSoft as a two-part approach intended to improve identification, documentation and referral for students at risk and to provide a printed report families can use to pursue outside assessment when needed.

Mader said the district will implement the tool in the three schools listed and begin training and roll-out planning ahead of the next school year. The board’s vote authorizes staff to finalize implementation details and provide subsequent operational updates to the board.