Farmington board approves new secondary math curriculum after extended debate

The Farmington Public School District Board of Education voted to adopt a new 6–12 secondary mathematics instructional program from Imagine Learning, approving the purchase at a total cost of $975,618.

Board members and district staff spent more than an hour discussing the proposal, which administrators recommended after a district pilot and classroom observations. Supporters said the program centers on problem- and task-based lessons, embedded formative assessments, daily practice, and materials intended to improve students’ conceptual understanding and transfer of mathematical skills. The board’s motion to adopt the materials was moved by Trustee Jo Heinrich and passed after a roll call vote.

District officials said teachers piloted the program from September through February in several classes and used that period to evaluate unit sequencing, embedded assessments and classroom practice. Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Doctor Kelly Coffin and district math leaders described classroom observations that found increased student discussion and tasks designed to “put students into meaning-making phases” before procedural work. Coffin told the board that the program’s pre-unit assessments and embedded formative checks help teachers identify student needs and adjust small-group instruction.

Board members pressed for evidence of results and implementation plans. Trustee Margaret Smith said she remained cautious and asked for clearer outcome measures, arguing the district must ensure the curricular change “moves the needle” for struggling students. Superintendent Coffin and curriculum staff said the district will monitor multiple data points—local assessments, NWEA, M-STEP and SAT math results—along with classroom walk-throughs, teacher surveys and student focus groups. They said a realistic timeline for full implementation and measurable gains typically spans three to five years.

Trustee Anna Heinrich moved the adoption, seconded from the floor; the board recorded a 5–1 vote in favor with Trustee Smith voting no and the remaining members voting yes. The board directed administration to return regular updates on implementation and student performance measures.

The district noted that the recommended program aligns with Michigan standards and the district’s existing focus on building student number sense and classroom practices that encourage collaborative problem solving. Officials said parent-facing resources and daily practice tools are included with the materials to support families who help students at home.

Administrators estimated the per-student licensing and material cost at roughly $40 per year for participating secondary students and said professional development will be provided to support teachers’ transition to the new materials.

Board members said they will continue to monitor early indicators of student progress and the district committed to periodic status reports to the board.