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Cartwright board approves 60‑day public display of two K–8 ELA curriculum finalists
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Summary
The Cartwright Elementary District governing board voted Nov. 5 to place two K–8 English language arts curriculum finalists on a 60‑day public display for community review.
The Cartwright Elementary District governing board voted Nov. 5 to place two K–8 English language arts curriculum packages on a 60‑day public display, starting the public review and feedback portion of the district's adoption process.
Acting Superintendent Watson and Executive Director Jessica Larson told the board the business services department issued an RFP on Aug. 25, 2025, notified 56 vendors and received five proposals by the Sept. 30, 2025 deadline. An RFP evaluation committee recommended SABIS Learning Company, LLC and HMH Education Company as finalists. The recommendation covers a seven‑year adoption plan to be implemented via a one‑year contract with up to six one‑year renewal options; the award is effective upon approval and may be renewed through 2033 if exercised.
The administration said materials must meet ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act)‑aligned criteria and the science‑of‑reading standards, including explicit phonics and the five areas of literacy (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension). The board asked how the finalists differ from the district's current materials and requested evidence of the vendors' impact in comparable districts. Staff said the K–5 benchmark curriculum in use is out of date and that adoption aims to align instruction K–8. The adoption committee will collect community and teacher feedback during the 60‑day display and present findings to the board.
Board President Lydia Hernandez moved the item, Board Member Rosa Cantu seconded, and the motion passed by roll call vote (ayes recorded).
The display period will allow teachers, parents and community members to preview materials online and at district forums. Staff said they will publish information about districts currently using the finalists and collect performance and usage data to share with the community during the review period.
The board's action initiates the next formal stage of the curriculum adoption process but does not yet adopt instructional materials for classroom use; final adoption will require the district's standard adoption procedures after the public comment period.
