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Combs USD board adopts HMH K–5 ELA, approves Spanish/French adoption and an AP U.S. History pilot
Summary
The J O Combs Unified School District board voted unanimously to adopt HMH as the K–5 ELA curriculum, approved 6–12 Spanish and French materials, and authorized a pilot of American History: Connecting with the Past for AP U.S. History.
The J O Combs Unified School District governing board on Wednesday unanimously adopted new K–5 English language arts materials from HMH, approved a six‑through‑12 world languages adoption for Spanish and French, and approved a pilot for AP U.S. History.
Superintendent (speaker 6) told the board the district’s materials review committee had narrowed K–5 ELA choices to two finalists and presented cost and payment‑plan options. The board heard that one vendor, Wonders, provided a total proposal described in the presentation as “just over $600,000,” and that HMH’s offer included a higher initial print cost but lower recurring digital fees under a multi‑year arrangement. After discussion, the board approved a motion to adopt HMH as the district’s K–5 ELA core curriculum; the motion passed 5–0.
The board also approved adoption of the district’s recommended Spanish and French materials for grades 6–12. Committee member (speaker 4) moved the world‑languages adoption "as presented," and the board voted unanimously.
On AP U.S. History, the board authorized a one‑year instructional resource pilot, selecting American History: Connecting with the Past (published by McGraw Hill) so staff and teachers can implement the material during the coming year and complete a formal adoption process next year. AP teacher Mr. Vignes (speaker 11) told the board the McGraw Hill option offers robust digital tools and practice assessments that align with AP testing formats, and he recommended it as a good fit for students. Board member (speaker 4) moved adoption of the recommended pilot; the motion carried 5–0.
District staff noted pilot costs are modest compared with full adoptions (presenters estimated roughly $1,500 for initial pilot materials depending on sectioning). Administration said it will provide follow‑up reporting on implementation and cost estimates if the district moves to full adoption.
The decisions come amid broader budget planning for 2026–27; the board and administration said they considered long‑term payment plans and fiscal flexibility when weighing curriculum choices. The board will revisit implementation details and budget impacts as part of upcoming budget work sessions.
