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Board reviews broad curriculum adoptions and OKs higher statutory developer fees
Summary
Trustees reviewed recommended adoptions for core and CTE courses for 2026–27 (English 3D for EL newcomers; National Geographic history texts for grades 7–8; AP Language; Human Anatomy; and an extensive set of CTE/AG textbooks) and adopted a developer‑fee justification study and rate increase to match updated state statutory caps.
At its April 20 meeting the Modesto City Schools board heard a package of curriculum adoption recommendations and approved a developer‑fee study and fee rate adjustments aligned to new state caps.
Curriculum recommendations: Curriculum staff proposed new adoptions and multi‑year contracts for several content areas. Highlights included English 3D for newcomer EL students (print and digital access), National Geographic titles for 7th‑ and 8th‑grade world and U.S. history, a BFW adoption for AP Language and Composition, and Pearson's Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology for high‑school science. The board also received a comprehensive set of Career and Technical Education (CTE) recommendations focused on agricultural pathways (agriscience, animal science, horticulture, ag mechanics, animal health and agribusiness) and the related textbooks, workbooks and online platforms. Staff estimated the combined multi‑year fiscal impact for recommended adoptions at approximately $2 million over the lifespans of the contracts, with final costs dependent on enrollment and the number of class sections served.
Public preview and annotation process: The public preview period for proposed materials was open through April 30 at CIPD (1640 Cummins Road). For supplemental literature (the district's Passport to Literature list), staff recommended an annotation for the novel Homegoing; teachers and public commenters requested additional annotations for Between Shades of Gray and Legend. Curriculum leaders agreed to provide annotations for board review if requested.
Developer fees: Staff presented a level‑one developer‑fee justification study required to charge the higher statutory maximums recently set by the State Allocation Board. SAB adjusted allowable statutory level‑one fees in January 2026 (residential from $5.17 to $5.38 per square foot; commercial/industrial from $0.84 to $0.87 per square foot). After a required public hearing, the board adopted the study and a resolution authorizing the increased statutory level‑one fee rates; staff said the adjustment will generate additional construction funding tied to new residential growth.
What comes next: Final adoption actions for individual textbook contracts and purchase orders will follow procurement and budget review. Administration will publish the updated Passport to Literature list with any board‑requested annotations and proceed with fee collection consistent with the adopted developer‑fee schedule.
