Two members of the public used the School Committee’s public comment period March 13 to press the district for clearer community engagement on math curriculum decisions and for expanded pathways for students who want advanced math challenge.

Guy Perlin, who identified his address as 88 Paul Revere Road, said the committee had discussed a curriculum review but had not followed up with community forums or surveys. Perlin asked how the district plans to provide stopgap solutions for rising seventh graders and whether the district will broaden choice beyond the binary “challenge by choice” model. He cited data — and local discussion on social media — suggesting that about 20% of Arlington students are enrolled in private extracurricular math programs such as RSM, and he questioned whether above‑average MCAS results reflect district curriculum or private enrichment.

Dennis Dukowski, of 57 Wallisón Avenue, said his family has struggled with what he described as earlier misplacement in the district math pathway and said that allowing students to select the 7A pathway is helpful but that more options would better serve students who feel “on the wrong math pathway.” Dukowski asked the committee to expand choices so students who seek advanced instruction have equitable access without relying on outside programs.

Committee members did not take action during the public comment period; several members thanked the speakers and noted ongoing curriculum review efforts. The superintendent earlier noted that the district is reviewing elementary and secondary enrollment patterns, class sizes and curricular resources as part of broader budget and program planning.