Board approves $2.2 million contract for new secondary English curriculum after split vote

Harford County Public Schools' Board of Education voted on March 10 to approve a contract award for a new secondary English curriculum (grades 6–10), moving the item off the consent agenda for separate discussion before approving the funding.

The motion to approve funding for Survey My Perspectives (grades 6–10) passed after debate about affordability and contract length. Board discussion focused on whether the district can afford the $2.2 million six-year option versus shorter-term options that cost less per year but lack the vendor discount. One board member recorded a no vote citing concerns about committing to a six-year contract without a multi-year evaluation plan.

Board members and staff described why the district sought a paid, comprehensive curriculum. Staff said many free or “open” materials do not form a full, continuous program through grade 10, some are not rated by independent reviewers (EdReports), and several do not meet state accessibility and high‑quality instructional material standards. Staff also noted printing, distribution, and data-privacy concerns associated with some free materials, and argued a ready-made program can better support non-tenured teachers and ensure materials meet state review/accessibility expectations.

Supporters of the purchase noted teacher turnover and the district’s need to adopt materials that align with the state’s “high-quality instructional materials” guidance and to provide consistent resources for instruction across schools. Opponents urged fiscal caution given the district’s budget constraints and suggested piloting shorter-term or lower-cost alternatives until the district can demonstrate sustained improvements.

After questions from board members about funding, debt, and payment schedules, staff said the $2.218 million six-year option would be charged to the operating budget and that, if approved, part of the cost would be encumbered in the current fiscal year (60% in 2025, with the remainder paid in subsequent years under the vendor schedule). Finance staff said the district did not have a capital funding source for textbook purchases and historically charged such recurring costs to operating funds.

The board approved the contract motion. The motion was moved from the floor and seconded; the final recorded outcome was approval with one no vote. The board directed staff to provide ongoing updates on implementation and to monitor outcomes.

Votes at a glance: The funding motion for the secondary English program passed with one recorded no vote. The board directed staff to return periodic implementation updates to the board.

The contract award had been separated from the original consent agenda and considered individually at the March 10 meeting.