The Highline School Board gave final approval June 8 to adoption of "Math in Focus (The Singapore Approach)" as the new textbook material for elementary math instruction.

The board also supplemented the textbooks with plans for strong professional development and technology support for elementary math teachers.

Board members also heard complaints from Pacific Middle School parents about proposed cuts to Pacific's music program.

Pacific music teacher Jeffrey Steen said the district is out of compliance with state law and its own board policy by cutting two music classes at Pacific for the new school year.

Steen said elementaries and high schools are in compliance but "there is a black hole at the middle school level."

He said middle school principals want to provide arts and music programs but they are directed by district administrators to focus on increasing reading and math scores.

Superintendent John Welch said it was a matter of "kid choices" of electives.

"Kids can choose electives that meet student interest," Welch said. STEM (Science, Technology Engineering Math) electives are in strong demand, according to Welch.

However, Welch said the board has recommended adding arts and music classes, not reducing them.
"We'll figure it out,” Welch added.

Welch also reassured parents of elementary Challenge students that the gifted program will stay at Cedarhurst Elementary next year. The district is eliminating Challenge classes for first-graders in September.