[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6535812,"mediaKeyId","3342278-27be2081ce3aa89ddfb4daaa9a2d9067","parentId",3342278,"title","Waco ISD board approves Great Minds Bluebonnet, Carnegie as primary K–12 math resources","audioSeconds",4589,"startMs",2138000,"endMs",6727000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3342278-27be2081ce3aa89ddfb4daaa9a2d9067&start=2138&end=6727","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3342278-27be2081ce3aa89ddfb4daaa9a2d9067/thumbnail_2138000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6535812/Texas/Waco-ISD-board-approves-Great-Minds-Bluebonnet-Carnegie-as-primary-K12-math-resources","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6535812-7ac8321c6a9f981fc5982e11cde91da4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770668195&Signature=a4Z6-UbbuFpbjbtGco8-qECPQWQIA~~kObyvEjBBoauuLjp9ITA6m0eSgQ-b9XAmZhr~HAzA2YCS16md9AZ7~9MSZbVG5y01ueploZr5-wU6-nWSpvzVeZ3b5V-XxXxbvRdvBqjxiLZeXa0DRRb~0b8e~AdOfoGcqIs3sYv7EpCirzGegeBZJ-9VWT7dVgY2CpIK9h-RR5lcGOfqrewePI03-hooG9wurikKHOGGr-1-KHgGquIPBACm4H5dVT0I7eVkaGHXTth-MP1DYAEOsW1fnlwx8lVnLShHEUG~nGzXt5qMRE-FLy459uapY2spk8unlCLK1qh0DYO0ulbxqg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Waco ISD","date","2025-05-16T16:11:49Z","article","The Waco Independent School District Board of Trustees voted on May 20 to adopt a new set of primary K–12 math instructional resources, approving Great Minds (Bluebonnet) for grades K–5 and Carnegie Learning for grades 6–12 as the district's primary math curriculum after an 11-year adoption cycle.

The board approved the recommendation to purchase the two resources following a district- and campus-level review process that included vendor demonstrations, teacher pilot sessions and rubric scoring. The administration said the combined cost of the initial adoption is roughly $1,024,000; district staff told trustees that available Instructional Materials Allotment (IMA) funds could cover part of the purchase while leaving roughly $817,000 in IMA funds on hand for other needs.

Why this matters: The new resources are intended to replace an older math program the district says required substantial teacher supplementation. Administrators and teachers said the new materials aim to strengthen teachers' tier‑1 instruction, provide clearer scope and sequence, and include supports for conceptual understanding and Spanish-language materials for elementary students.

District process and teacher input

District curriculum staff led a multi-stage vetting process that began with a Region 12 symposium where vendors showcased materials, followed by district presentations and a rubric-based review derived from the State Board of Education's instructional materials rubric. Curriculum staff said district reviewers rated vendors on a 1-to-4 scale across multiple categories; those ratings were combined and used to select resources for campus review.

Campus committees then reviewed digital demo accounts, printed samples and lesson materials, using the same rubric and an additional 'look-fors' checklist. Curriculum staff said about 280 math teachers participated in campus-level reviews. According to the compiled campus feedback, 218 of 280 teachers (about 78%) preferred Great Minds (Bluebonnet) for elementary instruction and 62 teachers (22%) preferred an alternative (Kiddom). At the secondary level, the district said four of six campuses favored Carnegie Learning while two favored Agile Mind.

Teacher voices

Teachers who served as campus representatives described hands-on review sessions in grade-level teams and said they evaluated lesson supports, digital platform usability, and alignment to the district's math framework. Christina Munoz, Kendrick Elementary campus representative, told the board teachers \"got to play around with the platforms\" and used the rubrics to record text evidence of strengths and weaknesses. Anna McNair, a Parkdale Elementary teacher, said she valued Great Minds' use of CRA (concrete–representational–abstract) instructional progression and the availability of Spanish student materials: \"More and more bilingual students are coming into my classroom... the Spanish book I was very happy to see.\"

Curriculum staff also flagged concerns submitted by campus reviewers, including places where a program relied heavily on workbooks, offered limited small-group or extension activities, or required additional teacher-facing supports. Staff acknowledged that no resource is perfect and emphasized the district's plan for coaching and phased professional development.

Data, vendors and implementation

The district said it asked vendors for outcome data from other districts. Tiffany Flores, secondary math coordinator, summarized vendor-provided information and said districts that implemented Carnegie showed incremental gains on MAP/STAAR and teacher-level growth measures, though she cautioned that demographics and baseline performance vary and that results were generally incremental rather than dramatic.

District staff told trustees that both vendors will provide professional development and on-site coaching during fall and spring implementation cycles. The district presented a PD timeline beginning in June for administrators, optional summer training for teachers (with compensatory time back in the school year for those who attend), and additional needs-based sessions through the first year of implementation.

Costs, funding and timeline

Curriculum staff said the initial adoption package would cost about $1,024,000. The district reported approximately $1,000,800 remaining in relevant IMA/holdback funds; if adopted, the district would use those state-approved instructional materials funds for the purchase and would still have funds remaining for future purchases. Staff also said annual recurring costs will include student workbooks and digital access; elementary student bundles were described as containing three student workbooks per student as part of the first-year purchase.

State policy and compliance

Trustees and staff discussed House Bill 1605 (HB 1605) and the state's Instructional Materials Review and Adoption (IMRA) process, including the state's definition of \"high-quality instructional materials,\" limits on teacher planning time tied to that law, and how state approvals affect district adoption. District staff said the selection process used the State Board of Education rubric and campus-level teacher input to align district needs with state-reviewed resources.

Board action and next steps

Trustee Jim Patton moved the recommendation and Trustee Guillory seconded. The motion carried after a roll-call vote; the board approved the district's adoption and purchase of Great Minds (Bluebonnet) for K–5 and Carnegie Learning for secondary grades to serve as the district's primary math instructional resources. (Transcript records the roll-call and a majority approval; the transcript does not include a single, board-published roll-call table with named vote assignments.)

District staff said materials and digital access will be delivered over the summer, teacher training will begin in June, and the district expects teachers to internalize lessons through structured PLC and coaching supports so new instruction can start next school year.

What trustees asked and what remains under review

Trustees asked about pilots, the risk of implementing a new curriculum before a second year of state data is available, whether the district could pilot on fewer campuses, and the possibility of a dip in achievement during the first year of implementation. District staff said a pilot on selected campuses would create inequities for mobile students and would require dual support systems; because the district is mobile, staff recommended a single-district adoption.

Trustees also asked for frequent, documented feedback during implementation and data checks so the district can pivot if adoption does not yield expected results. Curriculum staff committed to collecting teacher and principal feedback and to monitoring implementation fidelity and student outcomes.

Ending

The board's vote moves the district into the implementation phase: teacher training this summer, vendor coaching in the fall and spring, and campus-level monitoring of fidelity and outcomes. District officials said they will report back to trustees on early implementation indicators and provide data-driven updates in future meetings.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Waco ISD School Board Meeting from May 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Waco Independent School District Board of Trustees voted on May 20 to adopt new primary K–12 math resources: Great Minds (Bluebonnet) for grades K–5 and Carnegie Learning for secondary grades.","taxTitle","WACO ISD, School Districts, Texas","taxId",14342,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6535804,"Waco ISD sets move into new Waco High; building 92% complete with summer move-in",886,8313000,9199000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3342278-27be2081ce3aa89ddfb4daaa9a2d9067&start=8313&end=9199","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3342278-27be2081ce3aa89ddfb4daaa9a2d9067/thumbnail_8313000.jpg","/articles/6535804/Texas/Waco-ISD-sets-move-into-new-Waco-High-building-92-complete-with-summer-move-in","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6535804-1d734125835814b7bd9c023b4ac9bc48/orig.mp4?Expires=1770668195&Signature=FleXOOgbnr3HRK-bnQQwFX7dAD-HefkTgI7J5oz64Xd6QC3O-eaLOzC2mhnomWnEXinvaTJQ4s-~lSlVtjlcPnv0xrwrGtEhlfeiFdA087TN80Q-XW5I28nXjdTvryA7AUV9U8vFThHhODObapN-f7A0pXJOV9CqGbFRjEgRzlVqQhchB48W9otl3drDm718yyLjVVQBNM7j2y8n3FgcVCDFcnq35NKG9W7Ny~qw8lbGxOxJ6CENRB3ye56auJgnELYtBS9EgD7mSlAQ47FdYtyE6B7fF~Uh3qwoS0KnUluinUFFcRjgjvwJQwMLIlmrFnmEZr2rIkENXXMuONmt1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Waco Independent School District construction staff told the board on May 20 that the new Waco High School is nearing completion and that district and contractor teams are preparing a summer move-in and fall opening.

Project status and schedule

Gloria Barrera and representatives from the architect and construction manager said the project is approximately 92% complete. The district has obtained a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) that allows material stocking and deliveries; staff said they are days away from a full occupancy TCO that will permit staff to occupy classroom and office spaces. Furniture deliveries have already begun and technology installation is in progress.

The plan calls for staff and teacher move-in over the summer, with active demolition and site work on the old building following the relocation. The site work includes completion of a parent drop-off loop, staff parking, tennis courts and three practice fields. The contractor said the building's final punch list, certification of systems and cleaning are on the near-term schedule.

Features and program spaces

Project representatives showed the board photos and descriptions of the new building's features: a two-story classroom wing, a central circulation space (\"Lions Way\"), an outreach-style coffee kiosk and commons, a 2,000-seat competition gym and an auxiliary gym, a 600-seat auditorium, band and choir halls with direct exterior access, CTE spaces including a commercial-grade culinary lab and a six-bay auto-tech shop, and visual-arts studios with access to an interior courtyard.

Salvage, logistics and community items

District staff described logistics for clearing the old building and reusing equipment. Several rooftop HVAC units recently replaced with ESSER funds will be salvaged for reuse on other campuses; auto-tech equipment and fixed assets will be relocated where appropriate. The district plans an online auction (May 27'6) for surplus items and has scheduled a crew to recover a time capsule dated 1986; the district plans to preserve and later open the time capsule at a fall dedication event.

Project staffing and teacher supports

Construction staff described a teacher's guide and orientation materials that will explain movable partitions, HVAC hoods, specialized lab equipment, performance rigging and other building systems. Project managers said there are many scheduled user-group walkthroughs (fine arts, CTE, culinary, science) already held and more planned, and that packing and labeling efforts are under way with campus leadership to avoid last-minute disruption.

Community access and next steps

Project leaders invited trustees and community partners to tour the new building and said they plan a public dedication once move-in and commissioning are complete. The district expects to complete the remaining site work by January, following demolition of the existing high school footprint.

Ending

With TCOs imminent, moves scheduled and faculty orientation materials in development, Waco ISD officials told the board the district is positioned to open the new Waco High School for students and staff in the coming school year.

","Waco ISD project staff and the construction manager reported the new Waco High School is roughly 92% complete, on track for summer move-in and ready for fall occupancy. The project includes performance, CTE and athletic facilities and a phased plan for furniture, technology and salvage of assets from the old building.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6535808,"Waco ISD projects multimillion-dollar shortfall; legislative changes complicate next budget",819,6892000,7711000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3342278-27be2081ce3aa89ddfb4daaa9a2d9067&start=6892&end=7711","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3342278-27be2081ce3aa89ddfb4daaa9a2d9067/thumbnail_6892000.jpg","/articles/6535808/Texas/Waco-ISD-projects-multimillion-dollar-shortfall-legislative-changes-complicate-next-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6535808-c4c655b9027454d8834de596d01b9dd7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770668195&Signature=o1uLTqiIl7nI1NKJR7qZtoVA79EIvkWCdRHaV2zTVPLt9wR7pSITJGE0XASbQe8drLFVjM5vgmbg2Ze~2U54T9ZKyams6Z3lS-CTDMuc7BLL698AKEQAEMH2E3Jtvz36hZU2e2dqoQVrdRA4n9WVgTpP3PJjaUWzqYSEcdb5dEqjQ~eTGKoz5DG2wMiQGk4XWCYVs93pDVrl0KHrKTCbzN4jfClrxv8GC4NdnKCrT2LX4a4r05s5oAkNlLsg292tdi0XxZ4OYSik1bWwEE4L5En2qZYpS6ekx01SSRc4-5Db23Oy8R9uHH9GvhzSJCAoB-unkLdj6dq2-LBtnp05Tg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Waco Independent School District finance staff told the Board of Trustees on May 20 that the district is projecting a multimillion-dollar shortfall and that legislative proposals in Austin make next year's budget uncertain.

At the meeting Cheryl Davis, Waco ISD's chief financial officer, presented a preliminary projection that the district faces roughly a $7.5 million deficit in the current fiscal year and showed a revised budget gap that reflects prior-year adjustments and purchases. Davis told trustees the district's adopted budget began with an $8 million deficit but subsequent timing of purchases and other items had pushed the revised budgeted deficit higher; she said current-year spending is tracking below the revised plan.

Key numbers and drivers

Davis reported the following items to trustees:

- Preliminary local taxable values reported to the district for the coming year were about $10.2 billion; Davis said certified values will follow and that the district is still refining estimates because state and appraisal-district adjustments remain possible.

- The district has about $1.0 million in additional foundation school program revenue tied to homestead-exemption hold-harmless calculations and roughly $2.0 million from higher investment income than budgeted earlier in the year.

- Davis said one near-term risk was possible recapture (the state's redistribution when local values rise); early calculations showed a potential recapture payment of roughly $272,000 on the preliminary values.

- Davis said special education counts increased, generating an estimated $2.1 million in additional state special-education funding; she cautioned the district will likely commit roughly $1.0 million of the state special-education revenue to cover increased special-education costs.

Legislative uncertainty

Board members and staff discussed language in committee substitutes for the Texas House and Senate related to school finance. Davis and trustees highlighted three items that could materially affect Waco ISD's finances:

- Teacher compensation proposals (HB 2/committee substitute) would create a statewide pay increase structure; staff estimated that Waco ISD's share of the classroom-salary increase would be in the millions, but the state appropriation as drafted would not cover employer benefit costs subject to TRS. Davis estimated district benefit costs from a statutory salary increase at roughly $750,000 and said the district had not yet factored benefit exposure into its preliminary projections.

- Changes to homestead-exemption amounts and a reallocation of 'golden penny' (tier 2/Robin Hood) funds to pay for increases in the basic allotment could reduce the district's net gain from higher local values; Davis's quick scenarios showed a potential loss of roughly $448,000 under some proposals.

- Special-education proposals and a new intensity-based funding element could change state reimbursements; Davis said some special-education funds are targeted but that the district is still assessing how the new formulas and timing will affect local budgeting.

Trustee questions and district actions

Trustees asked whether the district was preparing multiple budget scenarios and whether staff could wait for another year of state data before a major adoption. Davis said the district is holding a healthy fund balance that could be used to smooth one fiscal year of transition but that it could not sustain structural deficits indefinitely. She described several administrative actions under consideration: modest cuts to supplies and materials, closing an under-enrolled campus (Alta Vista) and identifying fixed-cost savings that could yield several million dollars in recurring savings. Davis said the district will continue to refine projections as legislative language finalizes and as certified local property values are released.

Timing and next steps

Davis reminded trustees of statutory and administrative deadlines: certified property values and the legislature's schedule may require the district to set tax-rate assumptions and adopt a budget within state timelines. She said the district expects definitive legislative outcomes by the session's scheduled end and will bring updated revenue and expenditure projections to the board as bills are finalized.

Ending

Trustees did not take action on budget items at the meeting. District officials said they will present updated scenarios and, if needed, proposed budget changes later in the summer and fall once the legislature adjourns and certified property values are final.

","Chief financial staff told the board Waco ISD is projecting a multi-million-dollar deficit for the current year and faces uncertainty in next year's revenues as the Texas Legislature debates property tax and school funding changes, teacher pay proposals and new special-education funding models.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Waco ISD board approves Great Minds Bluebonnet, Carnegie as primary K–12 math resources

Waco ISD sets move into new Waco High; building 92% complete with summer move-in

Waco ISD projects multimillion-dollar shortfall; legislative changes complicate next budget