Marblehead School Committee approves new K–12 science curriculum after year-long review
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Summary
The Marblehead School Committee voted to adopt a new K–12 science program after a year‑long review process. The adoption covers new K–4 materials (Mystery Science/FOSS transition), a McGraw‑Hill program for grades 5–8, and updated high‑school texts including AP titles; implementation and professional development will roll out next year.
The Marblehead School Committee voted to adopt a new K–12 science curriculum on June 5 following a year-long district review of instructional materials.
Committee members heard a presentation from the curriculum review team outlining the committee’s recommendation to adopt Mystery Science (supplementing existing FOSS kits) for grades K–4, McGraw‑Hill’s Inspire Science for grades 5–8, and updated digital and textbook materials for high‑school courses including AP titles. The presenters said the recommended purchases are estimated to fit within the FY26 curriculum line that was included in the district budget.
The recommendation came from a cross‑district curriculum review process the district runs on a multi‑year cycle. Julia Pereira, who led the review team, told the committee the team aligned candidate materials to Massachusetts standards and the Next Generation Science Standards and sought teacher input before making its recommendations. Instructional coaches Emily Perez and Adi Graziano described plans for a phased rollout and professional development so teachers can learn materials before full implementation.
District staff told the committee the preliminary cost estimate for the recommended materials is roughly $200,000 and that some consumables already in inventory may be usable; final vendor quotes and a procurement timeline will be returned to the committee for formal purchase authorization. The presenters said some digital components will let students access materials at home and provide built‑in accommodations.
Committee members asked about lab time and hands‑on lab experience at the high school. Presenters and district staff said labs are included in the recommended materials and that the district will coordinate staff support for lab set‑up and scheduling; the superintendent committed to collecting additional data about block scheduling and lab time and to report back to the committee on any gaps.
After questions and discussion the committee moved to adopt the recommended science curriculum. The motion passed by voice vote. Staff will return with final vendor quotes, a detailed implementation and professional development schedule, and an itemized procurement plan.
The adoption places the district on a multi‑year schedule to refresh instructional materials systematically and to align K–12 instruction with state standards.
Plans, budget requests, and professional‑development needs will be brought back to the committee before any final purchase commitments.
