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Board approves new K–5 social studies and 9–12 math curricula after staff presentation
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Summary
St. Francis Area Schools approved purchases for K–5 social studies (TCM materials) and 9–12 math after a curriculum reviewer summarized a multi-year review, community feedback and procurement savings the presenter said totaled more than $150,000; the board voted to approve the purchases by voice vote.
The St. Francis Area Schools board approved purchases for K–5 social studies and 9–12 high-school mathematics at its April 13 meeting following a staff presentation that emphasized community review, alignment with state shifts and procurement savings.
The presenter — identified by the chair as Stacy — described a two-year curriculum-review cycle with teacher pilots and two community viewing opportunities that included the district’s American Indian advisory group and other stakeholders. For K–5 social studies the presenter recommended TCM (teacher creative materials) kits and explained the district secured additional books and negotiated pricing to expand small-group materials.
On costs, the presenter said she had saved “over $150,000” compared with initial estimates, cited an approximately $110,000 reduction from an original ask and described about a $50,000 savings on math purchases. She also acknowledged gaps in the materials: reviewers noted the American Indian materials emphasize historical portrayals more than present-day perspectives, and district staff plan targeted curriculum writing in June to address those gaps and involve APAC and the advisory committee in review.
Board members asked questions about missing standards and the balance of paper versus online materials. The presenter said social-studies materials are largely hands-on with teacher-facing online resources, while the recommended math resources strike a balance between conceptual instruction and usable textbooks for students who need paper materials.
A motion to approve the K–5 social studies and 9–12 math curricula was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote; the transcript records “Aye” and “Motion prevails.” The district will finalize purchase orders and proceed with the planned teacher writing work in June to fill identified gaps.
What’s next: Curriculum purchasing will proceed; the district said it will continue review with APAC and other community groups and conduct classroom writing sessions in June to tailor materials to Minnesota standards.
