ROCKLAND - January 28, 2026 - The Rockland School Committee took a major step toward modernizing high school education January 28, reviewing a $100,000 capital request for a new, interactive math curriculum. The proposal aims to replace textbooks and online systems that officials described as “tired” and nearly 12 years old, introducing a “scaffolded” digital platform designed to act as a 24/7 tutor for students struggling with complex equations.
The Full Story
Rockland High School Math Department Chair Steve Casagrande, alongside high school administration, presented a detailed plan to adopt “Pearson MyMathLab” for Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, and Pre-Calculus [22:44]. The department began evaluating new materials in September after discovering that their current online editions were no longer supported by vendors [23:15].
“It’s not going to replace a math teacher, but if a student is stuck at home on a problem and they can have a step-by-step explanation... you can see the value. It narrow[s] it down for them.” [26:25] — Steve Casagrande, Math Department Chair
The committee expressed strong interest in the program’s “Help Me Solve This” feature, which provides step-by-step guidance rather than just providing the final answer [25:53]. Casagrande noted that the system provides “instantaneous feedback” and real-time data for teachers, which is currently a gap at the high school level compared to the middle school’s benchmark testing capabilities [27:38].
The total cost of approximately $100,000 for a six-year license and classroom sets of physical textbooks is currently before the town’s Capital Committee [35:13]. While the School Committee ultimately voted to table the final approval until their next meeting to allow for a deeper review of the materials, members praised the move toward more interactive, digital-first tools [41:04].
Why It Matters
For Rockland parents and students, this update represents a shift away from static textbooks toward a “safety net” system that supports learning outside of school hours. For taxpayers, the $100,000 request is a significant capital investment intended to last six years, ensuring that students remain competitive as state SAT exams transition to fully online formats [36:05].
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To approve the 2027 French Department field trip to Quebec City.
Outcome: Passed [22:33]
Motion: To table the Math Department curriculum proposal for further review.
Outcome: Passed [37:45]
Motion: To approve the minutes of the January 12 meeting.
Outcome: Passed [38:05]
Motion: To approve various financial and department head reports.
Outcome: Passed [39:25]
Public Comment
No members of the public addressed the committee during the “audience” portion of the meeting. The committee held a moment of silence for late Town Clerk Eliza Landy, honoring her years of service and dedication to the town’s elected officials [44:44].
What’s Next
Math Curriculum: The committee will revisit the Pearson My Math Lab proposal at their next scheduled meeting following a period of “perusal” [36:20].
Town Meeting: Funding for the math books will be decided at the upcoming Town Meeting in May; if approved, the budget will be available for Fiscal Year 2027 starting July 1 [36:34].
Source Video: WRPS Rockland
Interesting edtech adoption process. The scaffolded learning approach makes sense for struggling students, but $100k for a 6-year Pearson license raises questions about vendor lock-in. Once districts commit to these platforms, switching costs become prohibitive and theres limited incentive for vendors to keep improving. Worth asking if theres been any evaluation of open-source alernatives that might deliver similar functionality at lower cost.