During a recent public meeting, concerns were raised regarding the declining performance of students in mathematics within the Nantucket Public Schools (CPS). A parent expressed frustration over the district's decision to abolish the honor roll and eliminate Algebra 1 from the middle school curriculum, despite widespread opposition from parents. The speaker highlighted that while other Massachusetts districts retained Algebra 1, CPS's reforms have not yielded positive results.

Data presented during the meeting revealed a stark contrast between Nantucket students' math performance and that of their peers statewide. In 2023, only 19% of 7th graders and 16% of 8th graders in Nantucket met math expectations, compared to 38% statewide. Furthermore, only 1% of Nantucket students in grades 3 through 8 exceeded expectations, significantly lower than the 7% statewide average.

The speaker criticized the district's approach to math education, noting that a reform initiative aimed at increasing instructional time for 6th graders failed to address the needs of high-performing students, who were not separated from their lower-performing peers. This lack of differentiation has led to a decline in advanced math opportunities, with only 3% of high school students exceeding math expectations in 2023, compared to 10% statewide.

The parent concluded by emphasizing the financial investment from taxpayers, amounting to $50 million annually, and called for immediate action to better support the district's most talented and hardworking students in mathematics. The meeting then transitioned to the superintendent's update, signaling a shift in focus from public concerns to administrative matters.