Mosinee School Board declines districtwide adoption of Illustrative Mathematics after split vote

The Mosinee School Board on Feb. 13 decided not to adopt the Illustrative Mathematics curriculum for full high‑school implementation after a 5‑4 roll call vote.

Board members had spent nearly two hours discussing the curriculum, pilot results and related concerns, including whether materials aligned with the district’s emphasis on basic skills and whether any language in vendor materials could affect federal funding. Paul Novinski moved to accept the administration’s recommendation to implement Illustrative Mathematics at the high‑school level; the motion was seconded by Megan (board member).

Administration and teachers told the board the district piloted Illustrative Mathematics this school year, primarily in Algebra I, and that classroom teachers reported benefits such as a coherent scope and sequence and improved lesson spiral that reinforced learning across units. "Teachers have found the lessons spiral really well… which they feel is reinforcing a lot of the learning and making the connections stronger," an administrator reported during the meeting. Teachers also raised assessment and practice items they said could be modified during a pilot.

Several board members raised concerns about whether the curriculum emphasized "basic skills" parents expect and whether elements described on the vendor’s website — including references to culturally responsive instruction — could create legal or funding risk in light of state and federal guidance. A board member cited an "executive order" issued Jan. 20 addressing DEI-related material and warned that, if federal grantors conclude a program promotes DEI, district federal funding could be at risk.

Other trustees pushed back, saying the district retains local curriculum control and can adapt materials. An administrator said the district would continue to set standards and that the board adopts local standards annually. Administrators also noted that Illustrative Mathematics is free to districts and pointed to third‑party reviews they used in vetting; they said teachers saw increased rigor compared with the district’s older materials.

When the board took the roll call, four members voted yes — Nowitzki, Stankowski, Kaiser and Kelly — and five members voted no — Gorman, Hansen, Hermanning, Maple and Calandra. The motion failed.

Board President Paul Novinski thanked staff for piloting the curriculum and said the discussion and teacher feedback would inform next steps. Administration said it would continue conversations with the instructional committee about alternatives or next steps for math materials.

Votes at a glance

- Motion: Approve administration recommendation to begin implementing Illustrative Mathematics at the high‑school level following the pilot. Mover: Paul Novinski; Second: Megan (board member). Outcome: Failed, 4 yes, 5 no.

Why it matters: The choice of high‑school math materials directly affects classroom instruction, teacher professional development and alignment with postsecondary readiness benchmarks. Board members framed the decision in terms of student preparedness, parent support, and potential exposure to federal funding risk if outside materials are judged noncompliant.

Next steps: Administration said it would return to the instructional committee to review alternatives and next steps for high‑school math curriculum work.