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Board approves McGraw Hill 'Emerge' as district K–5 ELA curriculum, approves purchase not to exceed $5,775,744
Summary
The Seattle School Board unanimously approved adoption of McGraw Hill 'Emerge' for K–5 English Language Arts and authorized the superintendent to purchase materials and professional development for up to $5,775,744 over a seven‑year term after the district negotiated a reduction from the originally proposed nine years and higher cap.
The Seattle School Board voted unanimously to adopt McGraw Hill's 'Emerge' as the district’s core K–5 English Language Arts curriculum and authorized the superintendent to execute purchase and implementation agreements not to exceed $5,775,744.
Vice President Briggs moved the action and Director Mizrahi seconded. Staff briefed the board on negotiated changes since the March introduction: the contract term was reduced from nine years to seven years, lowering the estimated cap from about $9 million to approximately $5.775 million; staff said the vendor agreed in writing to implementation assurances and a superintendent opt‑out if curriculum implementation did not meet agreed standards.
Directors asked whether the professional‑development plan or teacher supports would be affected by the shorter contract; staff replied implementation and PD commitments remain intact and would begin immediately, with an initial implementation window starting the next day. Directors also raised concerns about dual‑language pacing and access for highly capable and special‑education students; staff said work would continue with educators to address pacing and accommodations.
The student representatives provided advisory 'pro' votes. Roll call recorded unanimous approval: Directors Rankin, Smith, Song, La Valley, Mizrahi, Vice President Briggs and President Top voted in favor. The board authorized the superintendent to finalize minor contract edits and proceed with purchasing materials and PD.
