Board seeks clarity on classical-school curriculum as opening date nears
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
Board members asked how curriculum and materials for the new classical school will be implemented in time for opening; superintendent said kindergarten and first-grade materials and teacher training are in place and supplemental curriculum has been identified for early grades, and staff will return with any required policy items.
Board members pressed district staff for details about curriculum and materials for the district’s new classical school, which will open with incoming sixth graders this fall and with kindergarten and first-grade classes already using classical-influenced materials.
Why it matters: parents and staff expect the new program to reflect classical-curriculum commitments; board members asked whether materials and contracts were finalized and whether the board must formally approve curriculum or supplemental materials.
Board member Ms. Rosario said she understood the district had earlier circulated lists of proposed materials — items such as Singapore Math, Great Books selections and Story of the World were referenced — but asked whether the district had formally approved or purchased the books and whether a board vote was required before the school opens in a few weeks. Board members noted the school will enroll students soon and wanted certainty about the instructional plan.
Superintendent Dr. Moore told the board the district had designated core curriculum across grades and identified the classical supplemental materials for the school’s initial grades; staff have trained teachers and instructional coaches and have been running professional development tied to the classical model. He characterized the listed materials as “supplemental” in the sense that they apply to one school and specific grade levels rather than a district‑wide core adoption that would require different approval steps. He said staff would bring any items that required formal board action back for a vote if legal or policy counsel advised it.
Board members expressed differing views: some urged a formal board vote to remove any doubt, while others said the k–1 rollout and teacher preparation suggested the school was ready. No formal policy change or curriculum adoption vote occurred at the workshop; staff agreed to confirm which items require formal board approval and to bring a clear recommendation to a business meeting if necessary.