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Board approves $118,870 TNTP math coaching contract after split vote
Summary
The board approved a four-month, in-person math coaching pilot with TNTP at $118,870 (Option B) for Jan.–Apr. 2026 amid trustee debate over cost, funding sources and whether district staff feedback should have been gathered first.
The Benton Harbor Area Schools Board voted on Jan. 13 to approve a phase-one contract with TNTP for math coaching at a cost of $118,870, choosing the in-person coaching option (Option B) over a lower-cost virtual alternative. The four-month engagement runs January 5–April 30, 2026 and replaces virtual check-ins with twice-monthly in-person coaching for the selected cohort of teachers.
Supporters, including Secretary Triplet, argued in favor of in-person coaching as a higher-impact approach that allows administrators and teachers to make informed decisions about expanding the work to a districtwide Phase 2. "It gives them an opportunity to be in there," Triplet said, noting the phased approach allows the district to evaluate effectiveness before committing more funds.
Opponents raised fiscal concerns. Trustee Elnora Gavin voiced reservations about the long-term cost if the district advances to Phase 2 — a multi-year expansion listed in materials at roughly $230,814 — and asked whether alternatives (retired master teachers, in-district coaching) had been sufficiently explored. Administration told the board Title I and Title II funds can be used for professional development but that there is no TNTP-specific grant earmarked for the work.
The vote passed 4–3: yes — Robinson, Bowens, Triplet, Rocket Martin; no — Gavin, Bradley, Doyle. Trustees requested ongoing reporting from administration and the curriculum committee on implementation fidelity, budget alignment and early measures of teacher practice or student impact.
