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School board adopts new 6–12 English curriculum; district to use mixed funding from basic ed, special education and Title III
Summary
The Granite Falls School Board voted to adopt HMH Into Literature for grades 6–12, Read180 for special education and HMH English 3D for multilingual learners. The five‑year proposal averages about $61 per student per year; staff said portions can be paid from special education and Title III funds.
The Granite Falls School Board on Tuesday approved a package of new English language arts materials for grades 6 through 12, including HMH Into Literature for general education, Read180 for students with significant reading needs, and HMH English 3D services for multilingual learners.
Why it matters: District staff and a committee of secondary teachers told the board that Granite Falls has lacked a guaranteed, aligned curriculum across grades 6–12 for decades and that a standardized ELA program paired with professional development will provide more consistent instruction and support student achievement across the district.
What the board approved: The curriculum-adoption package covers teacher materials, consumables, digital access and professional development in a five‑year pricing model. Staff presented a five‑year cost estimate that breaks down to about $61 per student per year for the Into Literature package; Read180 (special-education intervention) and English 3D (multilingual supports) carry additional costs. Staff said the district has options to fund components from different revenue streams: the core Into Literature purchase could come from basic education allocations, Read180 could be funded by special education dollars, and partial funding for English 3D could come from Title III or related multilingual learner grants.
Pilot and review process: District staff said the secondary pilot began in January; all 6–12 teachers participated in the review. Teachers piloting the materials reported strong student engagement and growth on unit work, though the team noted some unresolved digital-platform integration issues and asked for continued vendor support. Staff also held a caregiver review event; no parents attended the session but staff reported student feedback from classrooms in the pilot.
Funding and contract structure: Staff presented the five‑year vendor proposals and explained that the one‑year price would be substantially higher; the five‑year contract gives the district an extended access price and professional learning package. Staff proposed an annual payment schedule rather than a single upfront payment. Board members discussed which budget buckets would cover portions of the purchase and confirmed the district can afford the adoption without jeopardizing the five‑percent fund‑balance target.
Board vote and next steps: A board member moved to adopt the recommended curriculum package as presented; another member seconded and the motion passed by unanimous voice vote. District staff will finalize purchase agreements, schedule vendor professional development, and implement the curriculum over the coming school year. Staff said consumable replenishment and digital‑access renewals will be revisited as part of typical adoption cycles and budget planning.
Noted cautions: Teachers asked for more vendor support to resolve digital integration with the district’s learning platforms. Board members asked administration to track fiscal impacts across basic education, special education and Title III funds and to return with updates on implementation and student outcomes.
