Teacher Recruitment and Retention

Q: What strategies will be used to recruit and retain high-quality teachers, including increasing diversity among staff?
A: The CASD Recruitment and Retainment Committee is actively working to establish and implement action steps to improve teacher recruitment and retention. Building strong relationships with educators and providing necessary support and resources are key priorities. CASD is also committed to increasing staff diversity by attending job fairs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and developing partnerships with institutions that reflect the demographics of our student body.

Q: What additional steps can CASD take to retain great teachers and attract new ones?
A: Retention is rooted in strong culture, respect, and opportunity. CASD is working to create an environment where teachers feel heard, supported, and valued. This includes mentorship opportunities, professional development, and recognizing teacher achievements to foster a sense of belonging and purpose.

Q: How will CASD address concerns about involuntary teacher transfers and their impact on staff morale?
A: The district recognizes that unanticipated teacher transfers can disrupt professional support systems and morale. Moving forward, CASD is committed to more transparent decision-making processes and prioritizing stability for educators while balancing the instructional needs of each school.

Community Partnerships

Q: How will CASD strengthen relationships with community-based organizations to support students and families?
A: Building collaborative partnerships with community-based organizations is essential. CASD is focused on expanding partnerships and holding regular meetings to ensure services are aligned and responsive to student and family needs.

Student Support and Behavior

Q: What supports will be in place for students facing behavioral challenges?
A: CASD is committed to Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Restorative Practices throughout all schools. Continued professional development will support consistent and effective implementation to promote positive student behavior and school culture.

Promoting CASD and Celebrating Success

Q: How does CASD plan to improve its public image and celebrate student and alumni success?
A: With the addition of a Director of School Climate and Belonging and a Communications Specialist, CASD will launch a campaign to highlight district strengths, including student achievements, alumni stories, and the comprehensive support available to families.

Curriculum and Equity

Q: How will CASD ensure equity in educational opportunities, such as access to AP courses, electives, and programs like STEM and the arts?
A: CASD will continue to expand course offerings, including a new AP African American Studies course beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. All students, including students of color, will be encouraged and supported to participate in rigorous programs that align with their interests and potential.

Q: What are your thoughts on the “Core Plus More” model for elementary learning support students?
A: The district understands the need to balance remediation with access to grade-level instruction. Current practices will be evaluated to ensure all students receive meaningful, inclusive, and appropriately challenging instruction.

Q: How will CASD address low math achievement and limited instructional support?
A: Improving math instruction is a district priority. This includes increasing staffing, using data to guide interventions, and providing targeted professional development for teachers to improve outcomes.

Student Climate and Belonging

Q: What is CASD’s plan for ensuring that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts remain part of the district’s values and programming?
A: CASD remains committed to establishing a positive student climate and belonging as a core district value. Black history will continue to be emphasized through curriculum and programming. The district is also expanding its African American studies courses and exploring additional meaningful ways to reflect diverse perspectives in education.

Q: How will CASD ensure that DEI practices are not only symbolic but have real impact on school culture and student outcomes?
A: The district is focused on embedding positive student climate and belonging into every aspect of school operations—from curriculum to hiring to discipline practices. Metrics will be established to measure progress in inclusion, representation, and equity across student groups and staff teams.

Q: What role will professional development play in supporting DEI initiatives in the district?
A: Ongoing professional development is a key part of the district's positive student climate and belonging strategies. CASD will continue to provide training focused on cultural responsiveness, anti-bias education, and inclusive practices to help staff better serve and understand the needs of a diverse student population.

Q: How will CASD engage families and community members in DEI-related initiatives?
A: Family and community voice is essential in building inclusive schools. CASD plans to host community forums, listening sessions, and collaborate with cultural organizations to ensure all voices are reflected in policies and programming.

Mental Health Support

Q: What mental health resources will be available to students, staff, and families? Will CASD offer Mental Health First Aid?
A: CASD has implemented Care Solace to connect individuals with mental health providers. The district is also exploring expansion of the Mental Health First Aid program to reach staff, families, and board members, reinforcing CASD’s leadership in student wellness and support services.

Parent and Stakeholder Voice

Q: Will CASD create opportunities to hear from families who leave the district?
A: Yes. CASD is working to establish a mechanism to engage families who withdraw their children to better understand their decisions and provide information about the district’s evolving programs and support.

Special Education and Student Services

Q: How will truancy be addressed for students with IEPs who experience school-related anxiety?
A: CASD is committed to individualized, compassionate approaches to truancy. Mental health and emotional needs will be prioritized through supportive interventions and family collaboration.

Q: Should new staff members joining a student's IEP team be formally introduced?
A: Absolutely. Establishing trust and maintaining transparent communication will be a district standard for all support teams.

Q: Will the relocation of autism support students from Caln Elementary proceed as planned?
A: CASD aims to retain students in neighborhood schools wherever possible. Placement decisions will be guided by student needs, appropriate programming, and community integration.

Leadership and Vision

Q: What are some challenges you've faced as interim superintendent, and how have you addressed them?
A: Identifying and addressing gaps in district systems has been a key focus. By listening to stakeholder needs, prioritizing action items, and implementing steps with clear goals and metrics, the district is moving toward greater stability and success.

Q: Given the turnover in the superintendent role, why are you interested in this position?
A: The motivation to lead CASD stems from a strong belief in the district’s potential. With a shared commitment from staff, students, and families, there is an opportunity to build a thriving, inclusive school system for all.

CASD Students, Families, Staff, and Community,

The CASD Board of School Directors is initiating a process to select our next Superintendent of Schools. The Board recognizes the importance of this decision, and we are committed to finding a visionary leader who will foster stability, transparency, and trust and help create an inclusive environment where all students and staff can thrive.

Our Search Process

We want to acknowledge that we have a highly qualified candidate in our current interim Superintendent, Dr. Rybarczyk. 

Before deciding whether to open the search to additional candidates, the Board would like to provide Dr. Rybarczyk an opportunity to engage with staff and the community. The Board will host two Meet & Greet sessions, where Dr. Rybarczyk will share his vision for CASD and answer questions from attendees.

In addition, we will conduct surveys over the next week to gather input from students, parents/guardians, staff, and community members about the qualities and qualifications they value in the next Superintendent.

Your voice is not only welcome in this process; it is essential.

How You Can Participate

The CASD Board of School Directors is committed to hearing from all stakeholders and ensuring a transparent process. We encourage everyone to attend the appropriate Meet & Greet session and to participate in the surveys when they become available. 

The Meet & Greet times are as follows:

Staff Meet & Greet with Dr. Rybarczyk:

Wednesday, March 6, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. in the CAIHS Auditorium

Community Members, Parents, and Students Meet & Greet with Dr. Rybarczyk:

Thursday, March 12, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Scott Middle School

Once the Meet & Greet sessions and community surveys are completed, the Board will determine whether the search will be expanded to other candidates.

Your voice matters, and your participation and your partnership are an essential part of this process. Together, we can select a leader who reflects our shared values and aspirations. 

Please stay tuned for more details on the Meet & Greet events and survey links and thank you again for your ongoing support and engagement.

Sincerely,

CASD Board of School Directors

CASD Students, Families, Staff, and Community,

The CASD Board of School Directors is initiating a process to select our next Superintendent of Schools. The Board recognizes the importance of this decision, and we are committed to finding a visionary leader who will foster stability, transparency, and trust and help create an inclusive environment where all students and staff can thrive.

Our Search Process

We want to acknowledge that we have a highly qualified candidate in our current interim Superintendent, Dr. Rybarczyk. 

Before deciding whether to open the search to additional candidates, the Board would like to provide Dr. Rybarczyk an opportunity to engage with staff and the community. The Board will host two Meet & Greet sessions, where Dr. Rybarczyk will share his vision for CASD and answer questions from attendees.

In addition, we will conduct surveys over the next week to gather input from students, parents/guardians, staff, and community members about the qualities and qualifications they value in the next Superintendent.

Your voice is not only welcome in this process; it is essential.

How You Can Participate

The CASD Board of School Directors is committed to hearing from all stakeholders and ensuring a transparent process. We encourage everyone to attend the appropriate Meet & Greet session and to participate in the surveys when they become available. 

The Meet & Greet times are as follows:

Staff Meet & Greet with Dr. Rybarczyk:

Wednesday, March 6, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. in the CAIHS Auditorium

Community Members, Parents, and Students Meet & Greet with Dr. Rybarczyk:

Thursday, March 12, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Scott Middle School

Once the Meet & Greet sessions and community surveys are completed, the Board will determine whether the search will be expanded to other candidates.

Your voice matters, and your participation and your partnership are an essential part of this process. Together, we can select a leader who reflects our shared values and aspirations. 

Please stay tuned for more details on the Meet & Greet events and survey links and thank you again for your ongoing support and engagement.

Sincerely,

CASD Board of School Directors