School board adopts new math curriculum: Kiddom for grade 6, Mathspace for grades 7–Algebra 2 under seven‑year contract

The Orange County School Board approved the adoption of new math instructional materials, selecting Kiddom for grade 6 and Mathspace for grades 7 through Algebra 2. The board authorized purchasing class sets and digital materials, accepted included professional development and approved the contract recommendations so materials can be ordered before the school year begins.

Why it matters: The selections address alignment with the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) and supply teachers with materials and professional development. The purchases will affect classroom materials, teacher planning and student instruction for multiple grades across the division.

Review process and recommendation: Staff told the board a committee was established in April and included a board member (Miss Dawson). Teachers used a rubric that evaluated standards alignment, curriculum features, student and teacher materials, assessments, instructional supports and technology. Materials were available for community review at the division office (the presenter said no community members reviewed them in person). The presenter said the committee considered three options; the transcript lists the names as "Stethoscopes," Kiddom and Mathspace. The presenter recommended Kiddom for grade 6 to help transitions into middle school and Mathspace for grades 7 through Algebra 2 because Mathspace showed 100% alignment to the Virginia SOL in the committee’s review.

Costs, contract and materials: The presenter said the estimated cost for sixth-grade materials (Kiddom) is $60,692, which includes class sets of hard-copy books, teacher print materials, student and teacher digital materials and professional development. For grades 7 through end-of-course (through Algebra 2), the presenter gave a total cost estimate of $232,000; that package includes teacher and student materials, digital resources and professional development. The presenter said Mathspace provides both hard-copy and digital options, follows Math Forward alignment, and that teacher professional development would be provided at no additional cost. The presenter also said teacher materials with Mathspace carry a minimal additional cost.

Contract length and standards cycle: Staff recommended a seven-year contract for Mathspace. A board member asked whether standards change during that span; the presenter replied that standards typically move on a six-year cycle, a point the board noted during discussion.

Board action: A board member moved to approve the recommendation as presented and Jack Sleban seconded the motion. The chair called for the ayes and the motion passed; the transcript records the affirmative voice votes but does not provide a roll-call tally for the adoption vote.

Unclear or not specified in the transcript: The transcript identifies three options considered but the name of the first option appears in the transcript as "Stethoscopes," which may be a transcription error; no additional identifying information was provided in the record. The transcript does not specify per-grade textbook counts or the exact procurement vehicle (e.g., contract number or vendor agreement details) beyond the presented cost estimates and the recommended seven-year contract length.

Next steps: Staff will proceed with ordering materials and implementing the teacher professional development so resources are available before the school year.