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Gary schools approve 'Wit & Wisdom' curriculum adoption; board hears funding context
Summary
The board approved purchase of Wit & Wisdom curriculum materials for pre-K–5 and K–5 cycles at an estimated quote of $743,000; staff said $3.9 million is earmarked in the education fund for curriculum supports.
The Gary Community School Corporation board approved adoption of the Wit & Wisdom curriculum for early grades after district curriculum staff recommended the program and presented alignment checks with state standards.
District representatives said the curriculum team vetted the materials for alignment with the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) requirements and the "science of reading" standards. The board packet included a vendor quote of approximately $743,000 for the adoption.
Assistant staff presenting for Dr. Treadwell said the district has $3,900,000 earmarked for curriculum supports and adoptions in the education fund; staff described the $743,000 request as part of that existing allocation. The board approved the adoption by a 4-0 vote.
Board members asked about adoption cycles and longevity. Staff said curricula are often on four-year cycles but the district may adjust timing at its discretion; new statutory or curricular requirements (for example, adoption required by a new "science of reading" mandate) can require more rapid adoption.
The motion to adopt was moved, seconded, and recorded as a unanimous vote. Staff also said curriculum adoption work included input from coaches and classroom teachers.
The item will be implemented by curriculum staff; the finance office said the education-fund budget lines already include earmarked money for curriculum adoptions.
No external grants were named in the packet for this purchase; presenters tied the purchase to the district’s education fund and to previously approved budget action moving textbook-rental funds into the education fund after state changes to textbook-fund accounting.
The board approved the item 4-0 and asked staff to return with contract details and implementation timelines for teachers and schools.
