Smith‑Green leaders outline plan for junior high advanced math and revisit special‑education co‑op withdrawal

At the Nov. 24 meeting of the Smith‑Green Community Schools Board of Trustees, district leaders described steps to expand junior high advanced‑math coursework and reported renewed consideration of withdrawing from a special‑education co‑op in 2027–28.

In the principal’s report, administrators said new legislation will require that some students be automatically placed in advanced math courses beginning next school year. The principal said the district is planning to offer advanced‑math options at the junior high for every grade and is reviewing curricula to ensure sixth‑ and seventh‑grade standards are taught so students are prepared for Algebra I in eighth grade. The principal emphasized attention to eighth‑grade geometry prerequisites that are often overlooked when students are accelerated into Algebra I.

Board members asked for details about how the sequence will differ by grade. The principal said sixth‑grade students will receive both sixth‑ and seventh‑grade standards; seventh grade will focus on pre‑algebra standards and eighth grade will continue to Algebra I. The principal noted that the specific test score cutoff or placement metric referenced in state guidance was not specified in the meeting record.

Separately, the superintendent reported the district is again reviewing membership in a special‑education co‑op for the 2027–28 school year. The superintendent said the district had previously revisited the issue in November 2024 and cited recent leadership turnover within the co‑op and the lack of the price‑control measures the district had sought. No vote or formal timetable for a decision was announced; the superintendent presented the consideration as an item for future action.

The board adjourned after additional congratulatory remarks to students and staff.