Board told recommended state‑adopted science textbooks; public hearing set April 8, adoption slated May 6

District staff and the adoption committee presented recommended science instructional materials from state‑adopted publishers and described the public review and adoption timeline.

Chief Academic Officer Nathan Shaker said the Florida Department of Education posted state‑adopted science materials in July and the district limited vendor participation to those state‑adopted options. Committees composed of teachers, administrators, students and parents reviewed materials and recommended titles for elementary, middle and high school subjects including biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology, marine science, environmental science, earth/space and physical science.

The committee recommended specific publishers and program titles for each grade band; staff said the materials provide resources for new and veteran teachers and supports for English‑language learners and exceptional students. Staff estimated the adoption cost at approximately $9,330,121.10, noting final cost will vary with actual course enrollments and ordering choices. The district also posted a public review site and will accept public comment during the posted objection period.

Next steps announced: a public hearing on April 8 during a school board action meeting, a board adoption vote scheduled for May 6, and the objection form to be posted May 7 for a 30‑day period, as required by state adoption procedures.

Board members thanked committee participants and staff for the process and asked a handful of questions about ordering approaches, inventory management and whether materials are purchased as kits or a la carte. Staff described procedures to limit waste and reorder based on school-level inventory. No adoption vote occurred at the workshop; the formal adoption will be considered at the May action meeting.