Escambia schedules Jan. 30 special meeting for textbook public hearing and out-of-field approvals
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Summary
The board agreed to hold a special meeting near Jan. 30 to host the statutorily required public hearing on proposed textbooks and to approve out-of-field teacher assignments, with the adoption of titles to follow at a separate meeting.
The Escambia County School Board agreed during its December workshop to schedule a special meeting around Jan. 30 to align required textbook proceedings and approve out-of-field teacher certifications.
Staff explained that Florida statutory requirements for textbook adoption require two separate proceedings: a public hearing to solicit public input on selected titles and a later meeting for formal adoption. District staff recommended holding the public hearing at the regular January board meeting and completing adoption at the special meeting scheduled for Jan. 30 so purchases can meet procurement timelines.
The chair confirmed board consensus for Jan. 30 beginning at 9:00 a.m., acknowledging some members may be absent and that the meeting can be scheduled a day or two earlier if necessary. Staff also flagged a teacher-of-the-year ceremony and recommended coordinating times so board members can attend both events.
No adoption vote occurred at the workshop; staff said the January public hearing would be an opportunity for members of the public to present evidence or concerns about any title. The district reported it would publish links to school improvement plans and informational materials for public review ahead of the hearing.
Next steps: the board will hold the public hearing in January and the formal textbook adoption at the designated special meeting, and staff will circulate information on how the public can review proposed titles in advance.