Textbook committee recommends HMH 'Into Literature' for grades 6–12; board members ask for civil‑rights review before adoption

The Amherst County Public Schools’ secondary textbook committee recommended adopting HMH Into Literature as the core program for grades 6 through 12 and asked the school board to approve a five‑year purchase so teachers and students can access the publisher’s digital resources.

The recommendation came at the board’s April meeting, where committee lead Natalia Wheeler presented the committee’s consensus and said members favored the program’s scope, digital resources and scaffolded supports for students and teachers.

Why it matters: Purchasing a program and its digital platform is a budgetary and instructional commitment. Board members raised legal and fiscal questions before any formal adoption: whether the materials meet federal civil‑rights and Title IX expectations and whether a shorter initial contract would protect the division if standards or state guidance change.

Board discussion centered on three issues. First, members asked the administration to confirm the materials’ compliance with federal civil‑rights guidance and relevant state review criteria before the board votes to adopt. Second, several board members preferred a three‑year contract to limit financial exposure and preserve flexibility; the committee recommended five years to maintain access to the publisher’s online assessment and support tools and because bulk purchasing typically lowers per‑unit cost. Third, members asked for a breakdown of one‑time costs (hardbound classroom sets) and recurring costs (annual digital licenses) and a clear renewal price estimate so the board can budget in later years.

Superintendent Doctor Wells and staff said they would check with legal counsel and the Virginia Department of Education about any outstanding compliance questions and return to the board with the answers and cost comparisons. Doctor Wells also noted the state had not removed the program from its approved‑materials lists and that counsel had not flagged concerns in prior reviews, but he agreed the administration would confirm before a purchase order was issued.

A board member also noted a recent court action and a temporary stay related to state reporting requirements; staff agreed to provide an update on any legal developments before a final vote. The committee recommended a classroom set of hardback texts plus district access to the digital platform, with a request for contract options (three vs. five years) and refund/termination terms.

The board did not vote on adoption at the meeting; staff said they would supply the compliance memo, cost scenarios and any counsel opinion to the board in writing before the next meeting.

Ending: The board scheduled follow‑up information from curriculum staff and counsel and did not take a final vote. The administration asked for time to provide written answers about compliance and pricing so members could consider a purchase that balances instructional needs and fiscal prudence.