Board approves K–12 science textbooks, school calendar option and funds for archery nationals

The Cumberland County Board of Education unanimously approved the recommendation of teachers and school committees to adopt new science textbooks across K–12, approved a preferred academic calendar option for next school year and approved a request for funds to support students attending an archery national competition.

On the textbook adoption, the board accepted teachers’ votes: K–8 adopted Savvas materials and grades 9–12 adopted McGraw Hill materials, with the exception of physics where teachers selected Accelerate Learning. The board noted textbooks will remain on the local curriculum cycle for eight years and that public notice had been published; the boards approved acceptance of committee ballots and adoption by roll call.

The calendar committee presented several options and the board selected Option 1A (referred to in materials as Option 1) for the next year after members expressed concerns about starting school during a local sale event that brings heavy road traffic. Several board members said Option 1 avoided the high‑traffic dates and better protected students and staff.

The board approved a request to fund Crab Orchard students attending the Archery Nationals. The recorded invoices presented were $700 and $14.35 for registration; the board authorized assistance up to the policy maximum (up to $1,500) consistent with board policy and approved the motion by roll call.

Other items handled in the meeting included approval of the revised Director of Schools job description (first and second readings) and routine consent agenda items. Board members said textbook orders and any budget allocations for them will be scheduled across the current and next fiscal year per administration guidance.

Sources: presentation and committee ballots read at the meeting; roll‑call confirmations recorded in the meeting transcript.