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Instruction committee backs administration recommendation to discontinue Success for All third-year contract, cites cost concerns
Summary
The committee voted to recommend the administration's recommendation on the Success for All (SFA) contract to the full board, citing potential annual savings of $400,000–$500,000 and debate over professional development and program benefits.
The Manitowoc School District Instruction Committee voted to recommend to the full board the administration’s recommendation regarding the third year of the Success for All (SFA) contract, after extended discussion about cost, professional development and program benefits.
Jamie, assistant superintendent, told the committee the primary driver of the recommendation is cost: the alternatives under consideration could lower district annual expenditures by roughly $400,000 to $500,000. Jamie said the three curricula the district is evaluating are on the Act 20 approved list and “would be potentially reimbursed if that money is ever released,” and that vendor quotes and a cost breakdown will be provided to board members.
Committee members voiced a range of views. Several members praised aspects of SFA — including districtwide coordination, professional development, in-district coaches who visit buildings monthly, leadership days twice a year, and a quarterly dashboard used to monitor progress — and cautioned that replacing SFA could risk losing those structures. Others said the district has built internal tools and practices (district-created dashboards and an emphasis on data conversations) that they expect to retain regardless of the curriculum vendor.
The committee discussed how SFA functions as a whole-school reform versus other curriculum choices that emphasize less intensive vendor-provided professional development. Members asked how to preserve successful practices from SFA if the district changes vendors; district staff said those practices (data monitoring, intervention structures and professional learning communities) are a priority to retain.
A motion to recommend the administration’s recommendation to the full board was made, seconded and approved by voice vote; the chair called for the vote and members responded “aye.” The committee’s recommendation goes to the full school board for final action.
