Board adopts Illustrative Mathematics K–5; student handbook adds cell‑phone ban and AI guidance

The Rice Lake Board of Education voted April 28 to adopt Illustrative Mathematics for grades 1–5 after a curriculum committee recommendation and committee presentations about pilot experience and teacher supports.

Marsha and other curriculum committee members described pilot work and teacher resources used to evaluate the materials. Board members asked whether the new program preserves basic math‑fact fluency and how group problem solving would affect students who might be quieter or need more individual support. Committee representatives said the curriculum includes teacher guidance and intervention strategies to address struggles, and that teachers will continue to assess foundational skills as the program is implemented.

On textbooks and publishing, the board noted that McGraw Hill will no longer publish the middle‑school Illustrative Mathematics materials; the district will obtain middle‑school resources through Imagine Learning.

The board also took a first reading of the 2025–26 student informational handbook presented by Mark Bice. He said he streamlined language to align the handbook with recently adopted policies, removed redundant statements, and added a section on inappropriate use of technology — including email, chats and social media — as a discipline infraction. On the cell‑phone policy, Bice stated, "I also added a clear cut statement just that they are banned during instructional time." He further explained that AI‑related concerns are addressed in both the technology section and the academic‑integrity section of the handbook.

The board approved updated retirement language in the employee handbook (second reading) clarifying that health‑insurance credit runs through a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) to satisfy IRS requirements and noting that some employees hired prior to July 1, 2024, may be permitted to elect that option. The administrator said the full handbook will return for final approval later this summer.

Why it matters: adopting a common K–8 approach to mathematics will change instructional materials and require teacher preparation and resources over the coming school year. Handbook edits set clear expectations about technology and academic integrity for students and staff.

What’s next: curriculum implementation plans and teacher support strategies will be monitored by the curriculum committee; the full employee handbook will be presented for final approval before the school year begins.