The Derby School Board meeting on April 28, 2025, highlighted several key initiatives aimed at enhancing the educational environment for students and staff. A significant focus was placed on improving school facilities and operations, which directly impacts student performance and well-being.

One of the primary discussions centered around ongoing and upcoming projects designed to upgrade school infrastructure. Notable improvements include restroom remodels at Tanglewood, paving projects at Derby High School and Tanglewood, and LED lighting upgrades at Derby High School. The district is taking advantage of rebates from Evergy for replacing LED fixtures, which could yield approximately $60 per fixture, providing a financial incentive for these upgrades.

In addition to contracted projects, the district's in-house maintenance team is set to undertake extensive summer painting and room modifications across various schools. This proactive approach aims to refresh learning spaces and ensure they meet the needs of students and staff. The installation of new HVAC equipment at Park Hill is also planned to maintain optimal conditions for server rooms, ensuring technology remains functional.

The meeting also reported on the operations department's efficiency, noting that since July, nearly 10,000 work orders have been created, with a high completion rate. The implementation of a preventative maintenance program is already showing positive results, reducing the need for reactive repairs and improving the reliability of school facilities.

Grounds maintenance received special recognition, particularly for the improvements made to the soccer and baseball fields. For the first time, the girls' soccer team will play on green grass, thanks to efforts to level the field and plant new grass. The baseball field has also been transformed, showcasing a quality that rivals professional standards.

Transportation and food service updates were briefly mentioned, with a note on the annual maintenance of the district's fleet, including tire changes and oil usage. Additionally, changes to the summer meal program were hinted at, indicating a shift in how meals will be provided to students during the break.

Overall, the Derby School Board's meeting underscored a commitment to enhancing the educational experience through improved facilities and proactive maintenance, ultimately benefiting the entire community. As these projects move forward, they promise to create a more conducive learning environment for Derby's students.