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Clarkston board adopts K–5 literacy program, approves fourth‑grade puberty lesson
Summary
The Clarkston Board of Education approved a K–5 literacy curriculum recommendation and a single fourth‑grade puberty lesson after presentations from district staff. The literacy adoption carries a five‑year materials estimate of $1,072,920.85 and a one‑time professional‑learning cost of $122,500; board voice votes carried both motions.
The Clarkston Board of Education voted to adopt a K–5 literacy curriculum and to approve a one‑time fourth‑grade puberty lesson during its regular meeting.
District staff described a 2½‑year review that compared multiple literacy resources and recommended EL Education for kindergarten through fifth grade. Administration presented a five‑year materials estimate of $1,072,920.85 and a one‑time professional‑learning cost of $122,500; a board motion cited a grand total of $1,195,000 as presented. Mrs. Mahoney, who led the literacy presentation, said the program provides two hours of daily literacy instruction and emphasized alignment with state guidance and evidence‑based reading standards.
"This is our recommendation to purchase," Mrs. Mahoney said, summarizing the team’s evaluation. She told the board the adoption includes daily knowledge‑building, integrated writing and assessment, and sustained professional learning for teachers.
The board also approved a fourth‑grade puberty lesson described as a single 30–45 minute session with an opt‑out and parent notification. Mrs. Mahoney said the lesson focuses on self‑esteem, healthy relationships and basic hygiene and is designed as a brief introduction ahead of fifth‑grade instruction.
Board members asked about parent notification and opt‑out procedures; Mrs. Mahoney said the district will communicate directly with families and that opt‑out options will be available. The superintendent, Dr. Sean Ryan, and board members praised the community engagement and the length of the curriculum study. "I've never felt surprised," one board member said, thanking the team for workshops and updates during the review period.
Both motions were made, supported and approved by voice vote. The board did not record individual roll‑call tallies in the public record; minutes state the motions "carried." The district will next schedule implementation steps and professional‑learning sessions tied to the purchase.
