Waterbury Public Schools is a school district based in Waterbury, Connecticut. The district serves over 18,000 students. Waterbury is notable as the first school district in Connecticut to establish a dress code for all students. Waterbury Public Schools operates under the leadership of superintendent Dr. Verna D. Ruffin and a Board of Education that consists of 10 elected members and the City Mayor. Waterbury's 1,500 teachers work in 30 schools and educational programs. They belong to the Waterbury Teachers' Association.