The Newburgh Schools' Board of Education Curriculum Committee meeting on September 10, 2025, highlighted a significant shift in the district's reading curriculum, emphasizing a commitment to shared decision-making and tailored educational resources. Assistant Superintendent Dr. O'Grady outlined the ongoing integration of the American Reading Company (ARC) program, which aims to enhance reading skills among students while ensuring that teachers have the autonomy to adapt resources to meet individual student needs.

Dr. O'Grady acknowledged the potential confusion surrounding the new curriculum but reassured attendees that the district is committed to a thoughtful rollout. "We can't simply abandon a tier 1 reading curriculum without engaging in a process of shared decision making," she stated, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among educators. The district plans to introduce various resources, including UFLY from the University of Florida and the Hegarty program, which focuses on phonics and phonemic awareness.

The meeting also addressed concerns about the overwhelming number of resources available to teachers. Dr. O'Grady likened the situation to grocery shopping without enough storage space, stressing the need for proper implementation to avoid confusion. "We're moving slow in the beginning to go fast," she explained, indicating that professional learning teams will begin training this month, with student engagement expected to start in October.

Committee member Mr. Levinson expressed support for the diverse options available to teachers, noting that different programs may resonate better with different students. Dr. O'Grady echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of trusting teachers to make informed, data-driven decisions based on their daily interactions with students.

The discussion also touched on previous reading programs introduced by the former acting superintendent, with assurances that valuable resources would not be discarded but rather integrated into the new framework. The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing support for teachers as they navigate these changes, reinforcing the district's dedication to improving student literacy outcomes.