$3.25 Million Gone From Pearson - MCPS Deal

Here's what Superintendent Jerry Weast told the Board of Education on June 8, 2010:

"In accordance with the Agreement, Pearson will contribute up to $4,500,000 and its expertise in assessments, professional development, and publishing. One-half of these development funds will be considered an advance against future royalties."

But the Draft Program Development Plan obtained by the Education Chair of the Civic Federation this month states:

7.2  Two payments of $625,000 each (totaling $1,250,000) were paid to MCPS in June and December of 2010. This represents the total cash payments to MCPS that are required by the contract as amended November 4, 2010.  Further payments to MCPS will consist of the royalty distributions as defined by section 8.D.ii of the June 8, 2010 contract.

Fact Check:  Amended Contract with Pearson Education, Inc?  Was this ever on the Board of Education Agenda?  


Why was the contract amended in November 2010? How much has this deal changed? How much are taxpayers out?  What happened to the $4.5 million in development funds from Pearson Education, Inc?


According to the Draft Program Development Plan, MCPS isn't going to get any more money from Pearson Education, Inc. until they start selling the MCPS brand curriculum.


More on the Pearson - MCPS deal changes in Part 2.