Committee forwards K–5 math adoption to full board for further review after data‑privacy lawsuit disclosure
Loading...
Summary
FCPS staff recommended I Ready for K–5 math, but after a committee member disclosed a pending class-action lawsuit alleging data-sharing by Curriculum Associates, the committee voted to forward the adoption to the full board for further discussion rather than recommend approval.
Dr. Schrum presented the elementary K–5 math adoption process, the committee’s evaluation of two finalists (I Ready from Curriculum Associates and Envisions from Savvas), and the adoption committee’s unanimous recommendation for I Ready based on alignment, engagement, diagnostic coherence and cost considerations.
During the meeting a board member disclosed a federal class-action lawsuit that names Curriculum Associates and alleges I Ready collects sensitive student data and shares it with third parties without appropriate parental consent. Dr. Schrum and other staff said the district has historically de-identified data provided to vendors and that the procurement contract previously reviewed had FERPA-language deficiencies and had not been finalized. District staff (Caitlin) said she needed time to investigate and recommended pausing final approval until more information could be gathered.
The committee first voted on a motion to forward the recommended elementary K–5 mathematics textbook and supporting materials to the full board with a recommendation to approve; that motion failed by voice vote amid expressed FERPA and data‑privacy concerns. The committee then approved a substitute motion to forward the materials to the full board for further discussion (without recommending approval) so the board can review additional information about the lawsuit and contractual protections before making a final decision.
The committee directed staff to gather more information on the litigation and the district’s contract language and data‑handling practices prior to the full-board meeting.
