District instruction staff presented preliminary Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) results covering the last four years and recommended the adoption of a new K–5 mathematics program, Kiddom Math, following a multi‑school review process.

Presenters said most schools showed reading and math growth in the latest year and cited notable gains at Scottsburg and Syner Jennings in reading and math. Science and history were described as more variable because a single grade level carries testing responsibility in elementary and middle grades (fifth grade for elementary science and fourth grade for elementary history). Instruction staff highlighted a large drop in chronic absenteeism at Syner Jennings, which decreased from about 24% to 10% in the period compared.

The textbook adoption recommendation was presented by Francine Davis, coordinator of elementary instruction, and supported by elementary math specialists including Lynn Judd and April Smith. Staff described a collaborative adoption process: a textbook review committee with representatives from each elementary school, display and open review of samples from March through May, comparison to state textbook correlation reports and evaluations of three vendors (Kiddom, Savas and HMH). Kiddom rated highest in committee scoring and was recommended for district adoption.

Staff said Kiddom provides print and digital resources, formative and summative assessments, editable assessments and data dashboards. The presentation described features intended to support classroom shifts in the updated Virginia math standards — such as modeling, student justification of answers and tiered grouping — and said the publisher provides ongoing professional learning, tech support and a dedicated success manager.

The presentation listed a one‑time cost over a five‑year term of about $417,000 for digital and print access and ongoing professional learning. Staff requested board approval to secure materials and schedule training and curriculum work in spring and summer so teachers could prepare before implementation.

A board member identified in the transcript as Board member Plaid said he would move to approve the recommendation. The transcript provided does not record a second or a vote; the motion’s final outcome is not recorded in the excerpt provided. Later in the meeting, the board moved to convene a closed meeting, citing the Code of Virginia §2.2‑3711 to discuss personnel, student discipline matters and privacy-protected personal matters.