Rockland School Committee members are seeking a closer look at a proposed $100,033 math curriculum overhaul before committing the district to a six-year contract. Math Department Chair Steve Casagrandi presented the Pearson "My Math Lab" program for Rockland High School, explaining that current materials are over a decade old and no longer supported online. We have started the process this year identifying that it was time for a new math curriculum, an administrator added, noting the new system offers a 24/7 digital tutoring feature and benchmark testing the school currently lacks. Casagrandi detailed how the program provides rigorous instruction, student safety nets, and data to inform instruction.

The proposal covers nearly every high school math course, with the exception of calculus, pre-calculus, and statistics. Member Emily Davidson inquired about the technology involved in the program's tutoring features, asking, Is there an AI component to the 'help me solve this'? While Casagrandi noted the system is regularly updated with pre-programmed scaffolding, the committee opted to delay a final decision until their next meeting to examine physical samples of the textbooks. Chair Melissa Mauro-Small noted that the funding for the project is currently being considered as a capital request by the town. I think we'll table it for tonight, Mauro-Small said. Motion Made by E. Davidson to table the math department book for the next meeting. Motion Passed 5-0.

The committee green-lit a separate opportunity for high schoolers, sanctioning a French immersion trip to Quebec City scheduled for February 2027. The four-day excursion, led by teacher Julie Door and facilitated by Explorica, carries a cost of $1,545 per student and includes tours of the famous Winter Carnival and an ice hotel. Member Jaime Hennessy spoke in favor of the trip's value, noting, you're getting a lot for that—three nights, the bus trip, all meals, and all the tours. It's a good value. Member Michele Bissonnette agreed, adding, Anytime you get to travel, it's a good thing. While Member Jill Maroney expressed support, she jokingly cautioned about the unpredictable February weather: I do hope, fingers crossed, that it is warmer. I think that traditionally the last couple of times she's gone, it's been frigid. Motion Made by E. Davidson to approve Quebec for 2027. Motion Passed 5-0.

Fundraising reports highlighted significant community support for local schools, with two recent events netting over $14,000 combined. Mauro-Small noted that the Esten PAC profited $5,974 from its "Name that Circle" event, while the RHS Travel Club’s wreath sale brought in $8,240. That's one heck of a great fundraiser, Mauro-Small said of the Esten efforts. The committee also cleared several upcoming fundraisers, including a raffle for Esten and a series of events for the Phelps PAC, ranging from a dance to a "fund run." Motion Made by E. Davidson to approve new fundraisers for Esten PAC and Phelps PAC. Motion Passed 5-0.

Superintendent Dr. Kron took a moment to recognize the district's maintenance staff following a significant snowstorm that left 10-foot piles around school properties. He specifically thanked Director of Maintenance Mark Sham, who is retiring next week after a decade of service. I woke up in a sweat worrying about the school buses, so I'm thankful we were able to open safely today, Dr. Kron said. Mauro-Small echoed the sentiment, praising the condition of Rockland's roads compared to neighboring towns. The committee also authorized 15 monthly department head reports and various student activity financial statements. Motion Made by E. Davidson to approve 15 department head monthly reports. Motion Passed 5-0.

The meeting concluded with a somber tribute to late Town Clerk Eliza Landy. Mauro-Small called for a moment of silence, describing Landy as the nicest person who always kept us in step with everything we needed as elected officials. Student representative Erin Maroney provided a look ahead at the academic calendar, noting that term three for the high school started today; it's the seniors' last semester. Davidson also encouraged families to attend the upcoming family information night at Phelps on February 2.