Cartwright board approves display of two ELA curricula for 60‑day public review
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Summary
The Cartwright Elementary District board voted Nov. 5 to place two K‑8 ELA curriculum finalists — Sabus Learning Company LLC and HMH Education Company — on a 60‑day public display for community feedback, following a competitive RFP and an adoption committee recommendation.
The Cartwright Elementary District governing board voted Nov. 5 to display two candidate K‑8 English‑language arts curricula for a 60‑day public review period, allowing teachers, parents and community members to examine materials before the adoption committee returns a final recommendation.
Dr. Luis, an administrator who presented the item, said the district solicited proposals from 56 vendors and received five responses; the RFP Evaluation Committee recommended Sabus Learning Company LLC and HMH Education Company be placed on public display for community review. "The RFP Evaluation Committee consisted of Kurt Pudacom, Vicki Whitlock, Christine Ramirez, Dr. Joanna Combs and Patrick Massaro," he said, summarizing the review process and the criteria that included ESSA approval and alignment to the science of reading. Jessica Larson, executive director of teaching and learning, said both finalists include print and digital components and that community viewing and feedback will be facilitated online and through forums.
Board President Lydia Hernandez moved to "adopt as presented, and approve the ELA curriculum materials products for the 60 day review period from Sabus Learning Company LLC and HMH Education Company as recommended by the RFP committee." Board Member Rosa Cantu seconded the motion; members present voted to approve the display. The administration noted the recommendation contemplates a seven‑year adoption cycle and that the contract award would include one year with options to renew up to six additional one‑year periods, potentially extending awards through 2033.
The presentation emphasized evidence and alignment: Dr. Luis said the district sought curricula with ESSA approval and robust phonics and reading‑comprehension components, and Larson said the adoption committee will collect information about how the materials perform in comparable districts and gather teacher and parent feedback during the 60‑day period. Board members asked for references and impact data; Larson said the adoption committee will provide district usage information and host community forums after the materials are posted for review.
Next steps: the materials will be displayed for 60 days for public comment and the district said it will report back on community feedback to the adoption committee and governing board.