School board adopts instructional materials plan; personal financial literacy texts recommended

The St. Johns County School Board approved its instructional materials plan and recommended instructional materials for the personal financial literacy and money management course on March 11, 2025. The board voted to adopt the plan and to recommend McGraw Hill as the first-choice publisher with Cengage Learning as the second choice for both the standard and honors versions.

Dawn Sapp, associate superintendent for academic services, told the board the adoption process began in December 2024. Resources were available for school and community review in January, and each school had representation on a district committee that voted on the options. A publicly noticed hearing was held March 4, 2025, during which the board took public comment.

Sapp said all recommended titles are on the Florida Department of Education adoption list. She also explained that a petition period will run from March into April 2025. Under the district's process, parents or residents may file a Request for Reconsideration of Instructional Materials form to object to adopted resources; if petitions are filed, the board must hold a public hearing to consider them. Sapp said the district aims to finalize selections with the Florida Department of Education by June 2025.

Board member Miss Lyle moved to approve the instructional materials plan; Ms. Pereira seconded the motion. The board then approved the recommendation for the personal financial literacy and money management adoption; the motion was moved by Ms. Sal and seconded by Ms. Pereira, and the vote carried.

No petitions were reported at the March 11 meeting.