Derby Public Schools

Press Announcement

For immediate release

November 1, 2019

Derby Board of Education Members Receive Recognition.

Laura Harris, Vice Chair and George Kurtyka, CABE Area 7 Director, members of the Derby Board
of Education, recently achieved the level of Certificated Board of Education Members in the CABE
Board Member Academy for the 2018-2019 school year.
Mrs. Harris and Mr. Kurtyka were two of the 26 board of education members recognized for their
achievement in participating in numerous hours of board-related professional development activities.
A board member must accumulate at least 20 credits to become a Certificated Board of Education
Member. Areas of study are designed to strengthen leadership skills and give members a firm
foundation in the essential governance skills needed to carry out their responsibilities. The areas of
study are:
 Board Relations with the superintendent, with community and with each other
 Policy
 Curriculum
 School Finance
 School Law
 Labor Relations
 Board Operations

We also recognize Board of Education Members Kenneth Marcucio and Daniel Foley for being
recognized by CABE for their participation in the CABE Board Member Academy. By attending
CABE workshops, they acknowledge effective board membership requires a wide variety of skills,
knowledge and abilities and these program deliver high quality training.

Board of Education Chairman, Jim Gildea said, “Mrs. Harris and Mr. Kurtyka are among the most
engaged members that I have served with over the course of my 20 years on the Derby Board of
Education. They always take the time to be the best members they can be, constantly improving as
Board members and participating in all available learning opportunities. The Derby Board of
Education is better because of their participation and representation. I consider it an honor to serve
with both of them.

Superintendent of School Dr. Conway shared, “Vice Chair Harris, Area 7 Director Kurtyka, Mr.
Marcucio and Mr. Foley model and practice what it means to be an involved board member. They
continuously look for opportunities to learn more and stay up to date in educational policies. We are so
fortunate for their leadership and support of what’s best for kids today.”