Report 3: June 9, 2025
Progress Toward Master Facilities Planning
Since the last update, significant progress has been made in launching the district’s long-term facilities planning process. The Board of Education formally approved the hiring of RSP & Associates as the lead consultant to conduct both the Boundary and Capacity Study and guide the creation of the Master Facilities Plan. This marks a major step forward in our multi-year facilities strategy.
Following their selection, RSP’s representative Rob Schwartz visited every school in the district alongside Burke Jones on May 5, 6 and 7, 2025. These site visits provided critical insights into the unique functions, spatial usage and educational programming occurring within each building. This firsthand perspective will be instrumental as the study moves forward.
In addition to the building tours, one-on-one meetings were held with each of the seven Board of Education members on May 7 and 8, 2025. Rob Schwartz, Lucy Crum and Todd White (representatives from RSP) along with Heather Bohaty, Holly Putnam-Jackson, Becky Moeder, Burke Jones and Sandy Rusher from the District Leadership Team were all part of these meetings. These discussions offered a valuable opportunity to hear individual perspectives, priorities, and questions. While views varied, several consistent themes emerged:
- Early Childhood (EC) Programming is a strong priority. Several board members expressed support for expanding EC services and exploring the feasibility of a stand-alone EC center or more integrated neighborhood-based options.
- High School Capacity and Configuration remain top-of-mind. There is interest in exploring alternatives to a traditional “second high school,” such as creating specialized campuses focused on CTE, STEM or magnet programs to reduce size and increase personalization.
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) is viewed as a critical area of growth. Board members support the development of more hands-on trade and certification pathways, with strong encouragement for business partnerships and real-world exposure.
- Athletics and Activities were also an important part of the discussion. Board members expressed strong support for continued improvements to facilities such as tennis, wrestling, softball, baseball and soccer. While views varied on the scope and timing of projects like a standalone pool or expanded softball and baseball complexes, there was broad agreement on the value of exploring creative partnerships—such as with the DRC or local businesses—to make these investments more feasible and impactful.
- Budget Considerations and Community Trust were emphasized throughout. Board members consistently voiced the importance of aligning future proposals with financial realities and ensuring any long-term investments are well-justified, equitable and clearly communicated to the community.
These conversations will help shape the next phase of the planning process and provide essential context as the committee prepares for broader community engagement.
Looking Ahead
With foundational work complete, RSP will now begin in-depth data analysis, community input gathering and visioning for the district’s future facility needs. The committee’s role will shift toward supporting and responding to emerging themes from the consultant’s process while maintaining alignment with our broader strategic goals around equity, safety and partnership development. The next 18 months will be critical in shaping a long-term roadmap that reflects both the educational
needs of our students and the priorities of our community.
Report 2: February 10, 2025
The committee met with Russell Baldwin, District Athletic Director, as well as coaches from many of the sports teams. Those coaches that could not attend provided information to Mr. Baldwin. During this meeting the different sports (including marching band), shared the needs of their programs with the committee. These needs ranged from artificial turf fields, to better storage for band needs. This meeting was necessary to get an understanding of the needs of each area as we are about to begin working on the Master Plan for the District over the next 18 months. Below are items that will be reviewed during the Boundary and Capacity Study and Master Plan process.
Fields & Courts
- Soccer: The preference for playing surface is turf; The field needs a locker room, storm protection, practice space, and expanded seating.
- Tennis: Urgent resurfacing of the tennis courts is needed at Derby North Middle School. Derby High School’s courts require minor upgrades and have a long-term goal to expand to 12 courts.
- Baseball/Softball: Turf would be preferred for weather resilience. The field contains an outdated press box/concessions booth. A goal for a four-plex (2 baseball, 2 softball) was discussed.
Indoor Sports & PE
- Volleyball/Basketball: Need for a competition gym at Derby High School and drop-down net system.
- Natatorium: There is a need for a district-owned facility. The current one is too small.
- Wrestling & Weight Room: There has been massive growth in girl’s wrestling, which has caused a need for two wrestling rooms. A larger weight room is also needed.
- PE/Fitness: Derby High School has insufficient locker space, and needs better supervision. The fitness center would be a dream space for the district athletics, which should be open to staff after hours.
Other Upgrades
- Derby High School Site: There is potential for two practice fields, a band field, and expanded Panther Activity Center.
- Lighting: Upgraded lighting is needed at the Derby High School field and band practice areas.
- Storage: The band needs more on-site storage for props.
- Concessions: There is a need for an ice machine/water at the tennis courts.
Key Takeaway
- Most of these upgrades align with 5A & 6A school standards.
The goal for 2025 needs to be modified due to the timeframe of the Capacity & Boundary Study, as well as the Master Plan, which will now extend into 2026. The original target was to complete the Master Plan by June 2025. However, the timeline has shifted due to the time required for the selection process to engage a consultant. Over the past few months, the Board has conducted a thorough review of proposals, held discussions to evaluate potential firms, and finalized the selection of a consultant to lead this critical work.
Looking ahead, the Board of Education will hold a workshop on February 20, 2025 to establish formal goals and provide overarching direction for the study. Once underway, the Capacity & Boundary Study will assess current enrollment trends, building capacities, and projected growth to guide future boundary adjustments and facility planning. Simultaneously, the Master Plan will take a comprehensive look at the district’s long-term facility needs, considering factors such as building conditions, modernization efforts, programmatic space requirements, and future growth. Community engagement and stakeholder input will play a key role throughout the process, ensuring that the final recommendations align with the district’s educational goals and the needs of students, staff, and families.
Report 1: November 25, 2024
We have reviewed all of the findings from the tours of the District the committee completed last year in preparation for the Boundary & Capacity Study (and Master Plan). One thing stood out when we reviewed the list - these are mostly what we “need” items, based on what we have now. They were not necessarily new concepts or looking at what changes are needed to improve the teaching and learning environment or how education could be delivered. They are all good things brought up, but they were primarily surface level needs. It will be important to go deeper during facilitation to have real discussions around these topics.
We have been working to get consultants on board for the Boundary and Capacity Study. We anticipated this would begin sooner than it has and were basing our first meeting of the year on that fact to share out what we would be doing and what will be required from the committee.
However, there has been a lot of work happening as this consultant selection process is evaluated. We have had many discussions with the City of Derby about what they are seeing for land development and new communities coming to the City of Derby. Here is a chart of what they are seeing right now:
| |
Current Status of Lots
|
| Current Developments in Derby |
For Sale/Under
Construction |
Almost Ready
for Sale |
Not Ready
for Sale |
|
El Paso Heights (Woodlawn & 95th South)
|
6 |
9 |
33 |
|
Oak Forest (Duplexes) (Behind Sonic)
|
0 |
0 |
4 |
|
Dove Hollow Addition (Rock & Chet Smtih)
|
0 |
0 |
115 |
|
Foxfire (55th St)
|
15 |
29 |
58 |
|
Sterling East (East Madison City Limits)
|
125 |
0 |
74 |
|
Cedar Ranch (East Madison)
|
36 |
19 |
22 |
|
Courtyards at Crosswater (East Meadowlark by St. Mary's)
|
0 |
0 |
105 |
|
Sky Ridge (North Rock Rd & 55th SE Corner)
|
0 |
0 |
143 |
|
Spring Ridge Addition (East Meadowlark, South side)
|
11 |
26 |
62 |
|
Total lots when completed:
|
892 |
|
|
The City of Derby is reporting that they expect growth to exceed their 20 year projects of 1.2% by a significant margin in the coming years. Building permits are up 15% this year over years past. There is also a variety of housing types coming to the market that Derby has not seen before - townhouse, courtyard homes, etc. It will take the work of a skilled demographer to interpret the impact that these housing types will have on the student population.
Once the decision is made on the Boundary & Capacity study, this will chart the path forward for the committee's work this year.
The committee also continues to work with the Curriculum Department to enhance and provide more work-based learning, shadowing, and internship opportunities for our students.
