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Board hears proposal to adopt ESL textbooks under seven-year, $2.4M contract
Summary
Norfolk staff recommended adopting new consumable and digital ESL textbooks (HMH series) under a seven-year contract estimated at $2.4 million; presenters described vetting by ESL teachers, digital licenses and multilingual parent materials, and availability of sample books at the welcome center.
Norfolk Public Schools staff recommended on April 1 that the school board adopt a new set of English-language learner (ESL) instructional materials and digital licenses under a seven-year contract estimated at $2.4 million.
Mr. Brady and ESL coordinator Julie Flores said the recommended titles include the newcomer series Language Launch and English 3D from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH). "These textbooks were vetted to ensure they provide the highest quality instructional materials," Brady said, adding that the vendor's quotes cover consumable printed materials and student digital licenses for the seven-year adoption.
Flores told the board the local textbook review committee included ESL teachers, special-education staff and gifted-office representatives, and that the materials were publicly displayed at the Baron Black Branch Library earlier this year. She said digital components include unit assessments, speaking practice and a multilingual parent engagement component with letters in 10 languages.
Board members asked whether digital resources would be used; Flores said the adoption includes both printed consumables and student digital licenses. Members also asked about adult ESL classes, pull-out vs. push-in models for students, supply of ESL teachers at schools, and how licenses and consumables are managed annually. Staff said consumables will be shipped each year and digital licenses are purchased in fixed quantities and managed as students move through grade levels.
Dr. Martin raised a public-access question; staff said sample books remain available at the welcome center after their library display period ended. The textbook adoption will be placed on the April 15 consent agenda for board action.
No vote was taken at the work session; board members said they appreciated the vetting process and asked staff to confirm final cost details and whether grant or textbook funds will cover the contract price.
