Superintendent of Schools

Superintendent’s Message

Dear Parents, Students, Staff, and Community Members,

I am delighted to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to all of you as we embark on an exciting journey of learning, growth, and collaboration in Waterbury Public Schools. As the Superintendent, I am both honored and privileged to lead a dedicated team of educators, administrators, and support staff who are deeply committed to providing the best possible educational experience for every student.

At Waterbury Public Schools, we recognize that education is the cornerstone of personal and societal progress. Our mission is rooted in the belief that every student deserves a high-quality education, one that empowers them to be successful in and beyond school, develop critical thinking skills, and achieve their full potential. We are dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment that fosters academic excellence, social-emotional well-being, and a lifelong love of learning.

We offer a diverse array of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and support services designed to meet the unique needs and interests of each student and staff. Whether it's through our numerous career pathways, initiatives, arts and humanities, bilingual programs, comprehensive special education services, teacher/leader programs or Waterbury U, we are committed to ensuring that every child and adult thrives and succeeds.

As we forge ahead into the future, we are guided by a set of core values that underscore our commitment to excellence, equity, and community engagement. We believe in fostering a culture of respect, inclusivity, and open communication among students, families, and staff. Our partnerships with parents and the broader community play a pivotal role in creating a strong foundation for student success, and we actively encourage your involvement and input.

I invite you to explore our website to learn more about our schools, programs, and the incredible opportunities that await our students and staff. Whether you are a current member of our school community or considering joining us, you will find a wealth of information that reflects our dedication to transparency and sharing the wonderful stories of achievement that unfold every day within our classrooms.

Together, we are embarking on an educational journey that holds immense promise and potential. As we collaborate, innovate, and inspire one another, we strive to continue shaping a future that is bright, equitable, and full of opportunities. Thank you for being a part of the Waterbury Public Schools family. Your commitment and partnership are essential ingredients in our collective pursuit of educational excellence.

Should you have any questions, suggestions, or if you simply wish to connect, please feel free to reach out to our team. We are here to support you and ensure that your experience with Waterbury Public Schools is enriching and fulfilling.

Here's to an inspiring and enriching school year!

Warm regards,

Verna D. Ruffin, Ed. D.
Superintendent of Schools
Waterbury Public Schools

 

Mission: The mission of Waterbury Public Schools is to inspire and prepare every student to be successful in and beyond school.

Vision: ALL Waterbury Public Schools students will graduate ready to transform their world.

Core Values:

• Holds high expectations for excellence in teaching and learning
• Promotes equity in policy, practice and resources
• Provides students a quality learning experience aligned to our Portrait of a Graduate
• Acts as stewards for community resources and managing our assets to ensure equity and excellence
• Recognizes that meaningful relationships are the foundation of a high-quality education
• Committed to embracing a diverse community
• Committed to civility, honesty, responsibility and transparency 

Every few years, the Waterbury Public Schools undergoes a strategic planning process that culminates in a multi-year plan for educational improvement. This plan serves as an important blueprint for all educators, guiding the district forward in its goals to improving student achievement in literacy and numeracy and providing students with a healthy and safe learning environment while encouraging parents to participate in a meaningful way in their children's education.

Waterbury's first District Improvement Plan, Empowering for Success, was developed in 2000 to serve as a guide for school improvement. This plan sought to provide the map needed to move forward to educational excellence in student achievement, cultural diversity, long range planning, effective assessment and monitoring of expenditures. It was developed through the cooperation of Central Office staff, principals, teachers, students, parents and school community organizations. The plan improved accountability and raised expectations for the district. 

The first District Improvement Plan followed a specific timeline for improvements (2000-2005) and was cited by the State Department of Education as an exemplary plan. Since then, the district has updated its strategic plan three times. The latest plan, Blueprint for Change: Moving Forward for Student Success, was approved by the Board of Education in December of 2012 and served as a guideline for educators through 2017.

The district is currently working on a new strategic plan for educational reform based on Portrait of a Graduate.  

• 2020-2027 District Strategic Plan
• 2012-2017 Blueprint for Change, 2nd Edition
• 2012-2015 Blueprint for Change: Moving Forward for Student Success 
• 2008-2011 District Improvement Plan and Tier II Action Plans
• 2005-2008 District Improvement Plan 
• 2000-2005 District Improvement Plan

The Annual Report is compiled in June of each year and submitted to the Mayor's Office in August. The Department of Education's Annual Report consists of several sections, including an executive highlights summary section, an Academic Departments section, a Special Education Department section, a section with reports from other Central Office areas, including Human Capital, Grants and Operations and a final section for reports from each of the district's school. 

WPS District Organizational Chart