Division math coordinator outlines gains and asks board to consider math specialists

Sarah Hallam, the division math coordinator, told the board she is seeing upward trends in student math performance after implementation of new standards and a focused program of professional development and coaching.

Hallam described the supports she provides to teachers across K‑12—classroom overviews, vertical alignment, lesson‑level guidance, professional development, and teacher leader development—and said those supports are stored in shared instructional drives for teacher access. "I go into all of our elementary schools... I spend time going and doing walk throughs, looking at data," she said, describing how the division provides targeted coaching and PLC support. She highlighted that the division has worked regionally to offer additional professional development and cited specific initiatives such as math competitions and family connection letters for K‑5 units.

When asked what the board could do to help, Hallam said, "We could use math specialists," recommending at least three full‑time positions split across K‑5 buildings to provide on‑site instructional leadership and ongoing support for teachers. Board members and staff noted the suggestion would require budget consideration during upcoming FY26 budget and committee work.

The board thanked Hallam for the overview and asked staff to consider how specialists would be allocated and funded, acknowledging that hiring would likely require future budget action.