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Board rejects literacy and math consulting contracts despite cited accountability concerns
Summary
The superintendent recommended contracts with The Reading Center and SWUN Math to address literacy and math performance, citing ESSA and Title funding options; trustees voted down both contracts after recorded votes.
The Dothan City Schools board declined two externally provided consulting contracts on Jan. 20, voting down proposals to hire The Reading Center for literacy support and SWUN Math for math consulting.
Superintendent Dr. Garrick Askew framed both recommendations around district performance data and state accountability indicators, referencing federal authorities (ESSA Title I and Title II) and the need to act on documented instructional deficiencies. Trustees questioned whether the proposed contracts were the right path and ultimately voted against both motions; each motion failed on a 3–4 recorded vote.
The votes mean the district will pursue alternative approaches or return with revised options for addressing literacy and math challenges. Board discussion referenced the need to use available federal and state resources in compliance with program rules, but trustees signaled concerns about contract terms, overlap with internal capacity, or other unstated considerations reflected in their votes.
Next steps: Curriculum and Instruction staff were asked to review alternatives and return to the board with updated recommendations and options for literacy and math supports.
