Derby superintendent proposes RFP, board presses for cost estimates and early workshop

Superintendent Heather Bohati outlined a proposed request for proposals (RFP) to hire an external facilitator to guide the district’s 2027–2032 strategic‑planning process, describing expected stakeholder involvement (students, parents, staff, board and community) and a proposed timeline for outreach and interviews.

Bohati said the district will solicit proposals, interview finalists and return to the board for approval. “We would bring this back, proposed for approval in September, and then release the RFP the day after if that's the case and leave it open a full month,” she said. Board members emphasized the need for early board workshops to set vision and priorities prior to vendor interviews and asked for a historical cost comparison from the prior planning cycle.

Questions from board members focused on funding and governance: one member asked whether the steering committee should participate in interviews, another requested the RFP include clear evaluation criteria, and at least one member pressed for a board‑level workshop before the RFP goes out. Bohati said the expense will be paid from general‑fund budgeted money for strategic planning and that she will bring historical costs to the board in September.