Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Westminster school board adopts new PK–12 literacy curriculum, approves five‑year contract
Loading...
Summary
The Westminster Public Schools Board adopted Houghton Mifflin Harcourt as its PK–12 literacy curriculum, approving a five‑year plan beginning July 2026 with a projected maximum investment of $2,030,000 after a district pilot and unanimous committee recommendation.
The Westminster Public Schools Board of Education voted on April 28 to adopt a new PK–12 literacy curriculum, selecting Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) and approving a five‑year adoption beginning July 2026.
District curriculum presenter Matt Auchan told the board the recommendation follows a comprehensive selection process: eight RFP submissions, finalist demonstrations, and a February 2026 pilot across 20 classrooms. He said materials were scored on instructional alignment, teacher usability, assessment and data, and student equity. “On 03/31/2026, the literacy adoption committee unanimously selected Houghton Mifflin Harcourt,” he said.
The administration presented a projected investment for the five‑year adoption not to exceed $2,030,000, structured in year-by-year increments. The recommendation included the Creative Curriculum for preschool and HMH Into Reading and Into Literature resources for a five‑year term running July 2026–June 2031.
A board member moved to adopt the curriculum; the motion was seconded and the board approved the adoption. Board members praised pilot teachers for their feedback and said the new materials better align with the science of reading and emphasize explicit phonics and culturally relevant texts.
The district will move to implement the curriculum across grade levels, with staff planning for teacher training and deployment of the district’s digital platform. The board did not provide a detailed line‑item budget in the presentation; the administration described the total as a five‑year ceiling tied to incremental purchases.
Next steps include final contract execution and a phased rollout that district staff said will prioritize professional development and classroom supports.
