Northville board approves $652,929 K–5 literacy contract with HMH, funded by Section 35m grant

The Northville Public Schools Board of Education voted to award a contract to HMH for K–5 Tier 1 literacy resources totaling $652,929 for the 2026–27 school year, funded through a Section 35m grant, with extensions into 2027–28 to be supported by the general fund if renewed.

District staff told the board the purchase responds to Michigan Public Act 146 (dyslexia legislation), which requires districts to select literacy materials from the state-approved list. Office of Instruction staff described a selection process that included a literacy leadership team, classroom trials and teacher feedback; staff said the district narrowed its options using an NPS literacy framework and Michigan's essential instructional practices.

Teachers who piloted HMH highlighted vocabulary and explicit grammar instruction as strengths. "HMH give[s] vocabulary cards and specific language to use with your students," said Mandy Shattuck, a second-grade teacher, describing classroom supports that allowed teachers to deliver lessons both in small-group settings and with technology. Another pilot teacher, Sarah Roberts, said the materials helped students apply vocabulary and grammar across subjects.

Staff explained that professional development was a substantial portion of the cost, and that the first two years of the program would be largely paid for by the Section 35m grant. District representatives said the vendor offered access to 2027–28 materials as part of the negotiated package if the district followed the state's timeline. The district emphasized it would not commit to a long-term contract without evidence the vendor met expectations.

Secretary Campbell Voigtel presented the motion to award the contract; it was supported and approved by the board. The board did not record an itemized roll-call vote for this motion in the transcript.