August 2024 Civil and Municipal Education Public Sector

Ansonia Public Schools – Ansonia, Connecticut

August 28, 2024

Ansonia Public Schools

An Innovative Approach to Education

Breaking barriers and creating global opportunities to prepare students for the future.

Ansonia Public Schools, located in Connecticut, is an education system deeply rooted in a rich manufacturing history. Today, it is undergoing a renaissance, reinvigorating its curriculum and community involvement to align with the evolving global economy. The district’s forward-thinking approach and strong partnerships aim to prepare students as civic-minded, globally aware citizens.

Dr. Joseph DiBacco, Superintendent of Schools, passionately articulates the district’s philosophy: “Our overall goal is to create very civic-minded, well-rounded citizens ready for the global economy. We want to prepare good citizens and community stewards, willing to give back, work hard, and be part of the global marketplace.” This vision is being realized through a dynamic curriculum that adapts to the shifting needs of the workforce, ensuring students are equipped with relevant skills and experiences.

A significant aspect of this vision involves creating career pathways tailored to local and global demands. Dr. DiBacco explains, “We’re shaping our curriculum to meet the changing needs of the workforce in Connecticut. We have programs with South Korea where our students do projects overseas. They will participate in a STEM science fair in South Korea this year.” These international collaborations give students a global perspective, which is essential for succeeding in today’s interconnected world.

Embracing its historical manufacturing roots, Ansonia Public Schools is reviving and modernizing this legacy through practical, hands-on learning experiences. “Ansonia has a rich manufacturing history,” Dr. DiBacco shares. “By creating career pathways, we’re bringing our history back to life. Students are now doing internships at places like Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company and Farrel Pomini, connecting our historical manufacturing background with modern industry needs.” This initiative, which he dubs “Ansonia 2.0,” bridges the past with the future, offering students valuable opportunities to engage with prestigious companies and gain real-world experience.

Supt. Joe DiBacco poses at his desk in the Board of Education office in Ansonia, Conn. Nov. 10, 2021.

Community and Business Integration

Ansonia Public Schools is spearheading a collaborative approach that bridges the gap between education and industry, ensuring students are well-prepared for their future careers. Dennis Proto, the School to College and Career Outreach Advisor, is pivotal in this effort.

“In Ansonia Public Schools, I handle community-to-school networking, business-to-school networking, and state organizations-to-school networking,” Proto explains. These partnerships range from the Connecticut Business and Industry Association to significant organizations like Sikorsky Aircraft and Teamsters Local 1150 to local entities such as the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, Microboard and The WorkPlace. Proto and Dr. DiBacco work closely to turn these partnerships into tangible opportunities for students.

Proto emphasizes the business-like methodology that drives these initiatives, a vision inspired by Dr. DiBacco. “Profitability for me changed from bottom line dollars and cents to student success,” Proto remarks. This shift reflects a broader goal: transforming educational experiences into meaningful, practical outcomes for students.

Dr. DiBacco’s student-oriented philosophy is at the heart of Ansonia’s educational model. “He wants opportunities for our students, so they never have to walk into, ‘I didn’t know that existed,'” Proto says. To foster this level of awareness and engagement, Dr. DiBacco encourages direct interaction with students. This is facilitated through a flat organizational structure that allows for agility and proactive decision-making, free from the constraints of bureaucracy that often hinder other school systems.

One innovative strategy to maintain this direct line of communication is the creation of a student focus group. “Karen Phipps, Ansonia High School’s lead CTE teacher and I created a student focus group consisting of student leaders from each pathway,” Proto shares. These monthly meetings with Dr. DiBacco serve as a platform for students to generate ideas on how to market better and enhance their programs. The initiative empowers students and involves them in the operational aspects of their education.

Empowering Through STEM

Ansonia Public Schools is creating an inclusive and innovative environment where STEM and STEAM programming begin early and continue to grow throughout the students’ educational journey. Dr. DiBacco elaborates.

“Both of our elementary schools have dedicated maker space areas,” he states. These spaces are designed for students to explore, create, and invent, providing them with the necessary materials to stimulate their problem-solving skills. Kids can make, do, play, invent,” he emphasizes, highlighting the focus on practical, hands-on learning that prepares students for an unpredictable future where new inventions are constantly emerging.

The district’s focus on STEM is particularly evident in its efforts to support underrepresented groups. “We’ve been highlighted in local news for our initiatives to expose students to STEM education,” Dr. DiBacco notes. One such initiative is the Women in Engineering events at the middle school level, where engineers from Sikorsky engage with students, predominantly minority young women. These efforts have garnered attention for promoting diversity in traditionally male-dominated fields.

To further strengthen STEM education at the middle school level, Ansonia Public Schools has eliminated traditional study halls. “We replaced study halls with a 15-week, self-guided program called TechTrep,” Dr. DiBacco explains. This program offers a variety of classes, from 3D animation to robotics, coding, and entrepreneurship. “It gives students the choice to pursue their interests while maintaining a STEM focus,” he adds.

Dr. DiBacco’s commitment to inclusivity in education stems from his family experience. “I have three little girls, and my wife is from the Caribbean. Students of color and females often have the least access to STEM education,” he shares. This personal connection drives his mission to ensure equal opportunities for all students, particularly those from low-income and diverse backgrounds.

Strategic Investments in Infrastructure

Investing in educational infrastructure is crucial for fostering a productive learning environment, and Ansonia Public Schools have strategically navigated this terrain. Dr. DiBacco sheds light on the financial mechanisms and investments that underpin the district’s operations and growth.

“In Connecticut, our budget is a blend of local tax, state, and grant money,” he explains. Currently operating with a nearly $38 million budget, the district benefits from a mix of these revenue sources. Despite economic challenges, Ansonia Public Schools have remained financially stable throughout Dr. DiBacco’s tenure, thanks to robust support from the local government and strategic financial decisions.

One key factor in this stability is the district’s approach to health insurance. “We went to a self-funded consortium for our health insurance,” Dr. DiBacco reveals. Partnering with Brown and Brown and utilizing the state’s regional education service centers (RESCs), Ansonia joined a selective group of districts with low claim rates to form a self-funded group. This move has proven advantageous, allowing the district to maintain a health reserve account and save money.

The district’s financial prudence extends to its insurance strategies. “Insurance is a crapshoot,” Dr. DiBacco admits. However, Ansonia has successfully navigated this uncertainty by implementing safeguards such as aggregate and individual stop-loss measures. These precautions have protected the district from significant financial hits, ensuring continued progress and stability.

Supt. Joe DiBacco poses in front of the Board of Education office in Ansonia, Conn. Nov. 10, 2021.

Breaking Barriers for Educational Equity

Ansonia Public Schools is committed to providing students with real-world experience and breaking down barriers to higher education. This commitment is rooted in Dr. DiBacco’s background and vision for the district’s future.

“I’m first generation in this country,” he begins. “My parents were immigrants who sent three kids to Boston College, and my brother went to MIT.” This personal experience shapes his understanding of the challenges faced by first-generation students. “I support kids who are the first in their family to graduate from high school and attend university,” he says, emphasizing the importance of eliminating barriers and creating opportunities for these students.

The district’s focus on real-world experience is evident in its extensive network of co-op programs and partnerships. “We have several pathways, including healthcare, advanced manufacturing, business, future educators, cybersecurity, and engineering,” Proto highlights. Each pathway is designed to provide practical skills and industry exposure. For example, the healthcare pathway includes a Patient Care Technician and a Certified Nursing Assistant program, and the advanced manufacturing pathway covers various aspects of the industry.

“We’re selective in our pathway choices,” Dr. DiBacco explains. “We choose partners who support and foster young talent.” This careful selection ensures that students are placed in environments where they can thrive. “Griffin Hospital is our allied health partner, and we have a close relationship with their CEO, Pat Charmel,” he adds, noting that the partnership has been particularly beneficial in addressing the increased demand for healthcare workers.

The district’s innovative approach includes developing a grassroots model for internships. “Dennis and I were doing factory tours to identify companies that would foster on-the-job learning,” Dr. DiBacco says. Our patient care technician students, for example, complete their certifications and internship hours by their senior year, allowing them to enter PA programs and other advanced healthcare fields,” he elaborates.

One of the standout programs is the partnership with Sikorsky Aircraft. “Our students who intern there make $1,000 a week,” Dr. DiBacco reveals. At the end of their internships, these students receive job offers where they can easily make $60,000 plus a year. It’s incredible to see high school students earning more than $60,000 right out of school,” he remarks.

Dr. DiBacco envisions expanding these opportunities further. “I hope one day we can have juniors spend a couple of days a week in the field, and seniors spend even more time on internships,” he says. This approach, which he calls the World of Work (WOW) program, aims to keep students engaged and provide practical skills that align with the needs of local businesses.

Future Priorities

Ansonia Public Schools is not just focusing on the present but strategically planning for a future where students are more engaged, informed, and globally connected. As Proto and Dr. DiBacco outline their priorities for the next 18 months, it becomes clear that the district is broadening student opportunities.

“We want them to understand the opportunity,” Proto says. “We want to build on what we’ve done and increase student opportunities.” This involves enhancing student-to-student and teacher-to-student engagement, leveraging the dedication of long-term staff members who see the potential in every student. “Over the next 18 months, we aim to grow that opportunity spectrum for the kids,” Proto adds.

Dr. DiBacco shares his vision for the district. “We are expanding our efforts globally,” he states. “We hope to get certified to accept international students and facilitate exchanges where our students and teachers can go to other countries.” This initiative aims to broaden students’ horizons and invigorate them with a renewed sense of purpose and ambition. “When our students come back, they have a renewed energy because they see what else is out there,” he explains.

Another forward-thinking initiative involves preparing students for technological shifts. “We’re looking into bringing electric engines into our schools,” Dr. DiBacco shares. As the world moves towards electric vehicles, having students who can work on electric motors will be a significant advantage.

Moreover, Dr. DiBacco aims to introduce more civic-minded tracks, including a law track to educate students on advocacy and public service. “We want to teach students how to advocate for themselves and others and how to run for office if they choose,” he says. This initiative aligns with the district’s goal of preparing students for active and informed citizenship.

Dr. DiBacco finally highlights the importance of guest speakers in exposing students to diverse career paths. Industry leaders, including CEOs from the New York Liberty and the Red Sox, inspire students and often offer internships due to the students’ genuine interest. He notes that 70% of Ansonia’s working-age students support their families, emphasizing the need for meaningful job opportunities. These interactions bridge education and employment, with students preferring high-paying, skilled jobs over minimum-wage ones. By connecting students with various industries, Ansonia Public Schools empowers them to envision and pursue brighter futures.