Peninsula board adopts Amplify as middle-school ELA curriculum

The Peninsula School District Board of Directors approved the adoption of the Amplify English language arts curriculum for middle schools at its April 1, 2025 meeting.

Board members voted to adopt Amplify after a second reading and public discussion. The board’s vote followed presentations and review by staff and community participants involved in the curriculum selection process.

District leaders and some parents framed the move as a step toward aligning instruction with the “science of reading.” During public comment Michael Perot, a community member, credited parents and a coalition of advocates for pressing the district toward stronger, evidence-based reading instruction and urged sustained focus on implementation and outcomes. The board discussion included expressions of thanks to staff for the selection process and to parents who engaged in curriculum review.

Superintendent Barr and curriculum staff led the multi-step adoption process, which included staff and parent input and committee review; the board’s action was the final approval required to move Amplify into middle-school classrooms. Board members who moved and seconded the motion indicated unanimous vocal support during the meeting record.

The board did not attach a specific implementation timeline in the motion on April 1; district staff indicated the adoption follows a lengthy review process and will be followed by professional learning for teachers to support rollout.