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Substitute to Senate Bill 99 would return more textbook choice to local schools, sponsor says
Summary
Representative Cox presented a first substitute to Senate Bill 99 that would give local schools greater discretion over textbooks and curriculum methods, while preserving state board recommendations; lawmakers pressed sponsors on whether bulk purchasing discounts would be affected.
Representative Cox presented the first substitute to Senate Bill 99 on the House floor, saying the change would return greater control over purchasing and instructional methods to local schools and allow teachers and parents to participate more in curriculum decisions.
Cox and supporters said the substitute grew from Education Enhancement Task Force work and consultations with teachers. The sponsor said local schools would still likely choose from the state—s recommended list but would regain flexibility to select older or used textbooks that meet local needs and budgets.
Members questioned whether districts would lose the volume discounts the state secures under the current textbook adoption process. The sponsor said the state board would still recommend textbooks and that mass purchasing arrangements likely would continue to keep prices competitive, but acknowledged implementation questions that districts and staff would need to resolve.
The substitute was presented and debated on the floor; members signaled both support and caution while asking for assurances about procurement and cost implications.
