Cartwright board approves 60-day public display for two finalist ELA curricula
Loading...
Summary
The Cartwright Elementary School District board voted unanimously Nov. 5 to place two K–8 ELA curriculum finalists — SABIS Learning Company, LLC and HMH Education Company — on a 60-day public display for community feedback; the district described the RFP process and contract renewal structure through 2033.
The Cartwright Elementary School District governing board voted unanimously Nov. 5 to display two finalists for a K–8 English language arts adoption for a 60-day public review period.
District staff told the board the business services department solicited proposals from 56 vendors, received five submissions and convened an RFP committee to evaluate materials. The administration recommended placing SABIS Learning Company, LLC and HMH Education Company on public display. "The RFP committee recommended the following vendors to be displayed for the 60 day review," a district presenter said.</n Why it matters: the district said it needs an ELA curriculum that meets ESSA standards and the science of reading, including phonics, vocabulary and comprehension components; staff said the current K–5 curriculum (Benchmark Advanced) is out of date and the adoption would align K–8 instruction. "The curriculum that we are adopting also has to be what's called ESSA approved," the presenter said.
Board members asked for evidence of the vendors' performance in similar districts, how teachers and families would provide feedback, and whether materials include both print and online components. Jessica Larson, executive director of teaching and learning, said materials would be available for in-person review and online viewing and that the district would collect feedback via forums and a Google survey. "They will also be able to view them online," Larson said.
Contract and timeline: the administration described the adoption as a seven-year adoption cycle. Staff said the recommended award is structured as a one-year contract with the option to renew for up to six additional one-year periods, noting the award may be renewed through 2033 if exercised.
Vote and next steps: President Lydia Hernandez moved to approve the display and the board voted aye; the motion carried. The district said staff will collect community and teacher feedback during the 60-day period and return with a summary of comments and recommendations to the adoption committee and the board.
Board context: President Hernandez noted the purchase could be substantial and framed the review as part of the board's role in stewardship. "This is going to be a purchase of over a $100,000," she said during discussion, underscoring board interest in vendor effectiveness and student impact.
What to expect next: materials and an online viewing link will be posted for the public during the review period; the adoption committee will compile feedback for the board to consider before any final contract award.
