District recommends Benchmark, Think Circa, Read 180 and McGraw Hill in annual textbook adoption; public hearings scheduled

District curriculum leaders presented recommendations from a multi-month adoption process that followed Florida Department of Education procedures and local committee review.

Dr. Nathan Shaker and assistant directors said the committee recommended Benchmark Education for elementary ELA, Think Circa for secondary ELA, Read 180 for secondary level‑1 intensive reading students and Perfection Learning for level‑2 students, and McGraw Hill for the newly required personal financial literacy curriculum. Committees cited alignment to state standards, built‑in ELL and ESE supports, editable teacher materials and integration with the district technology ecosystem (Google Classroom, Focus).

Staff reported the estimated program costs submitted in the materials: Benchmark Education (elementary ELA) approximately $9,772,107.75; Think Circa (secondary ELA) about $3,611,879; Read 180 (intensive reading) $2,649,300; Perfection Learning $1,129,281; and McGraw Hill (personal financial literacy) $1,145,257. Presenters said those figures include recommended purchase scopes and will be finalized through the procurement process.

Public-notice steps and deadlines were listed: a notice for a public hearing would be posted Jan. 14; the formal public hearing is scheduled Feb. 10, 2026; the board will consider final adoption on March 10, 2026; the objection form will be posted March 11 with a final community submission deadline of April 10. Staff said objection‑hearing dates would be scheduled if required.

Board members asked about teacher training, community partnerships (bank involvement for financial literacy), and summer-program opportunities to maintain continuity with adopted materials. Staff said community partners are being engaged and vendors often provide supplemental materials and training.