Fourth Year of High School Math Recommended by School Finance Committee

The Board of Education Finance Committee Tuesday night recommended requiring a fourth year of high school math for Meriden students. The recommendation stems in part from a new law requiring incoming freshmen in the Connecticut State University System to have four years of math starting in 2015. The Meriden requirement would begin with students who will be freshmen next year.

The Board of Education’s Curriculum Committee approved mandating a fourth year of math last December, but the measure had not been considered by the Finance Committee. It will go to the full board for a vote on Tuesday, October 18.

Neil Weathers, Supervisor of Mathematics for the Meriden school system, told the committee that implementing the requirement would likely cost between $157,500 and $235,000 in its first year. Approximately 250-275 additional students will be taking fourth-year math classes each year as a result of the mandate. Two or three teachers would need to be hired for those courses and additional textbooks purchased.

Weathers also told the committee that a new math survey course similar to introductory math courses in the State University System has been proposed for Meriden high school seniors.

Committee member Scott Hozebin expressed concern about paying for the fourth-year math requirement, especially given the current economic climate.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Benigni said, “If you believe in four years of math and think that’s what students need, I encourage you to vote for this.”

In the end, the motion passed, and the recommendation will go to the full board for consideration next week.