Freeburg CCSD 70 board approves five-year ELA curriculum contract for grades 3–8

The Freeburg CCSD 70 Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a five-year English language arts curriculum contract with HMH for grades 3 through 8 at a total cost of $119,932.09.

Board members discussed the purchase during the May meeting after teachers and an advisory committee reviewed eight curricula and visited 15 districts. The clerk summarized the committee’s work, saying the district had used the current program, Journeys, since 2014 and that the new package includes textbooks, workbooks and an online subscription component for classroom and at-home access.

“The teachers had a committee. They looked at eight different curricula for alignment and evidence-based practices. They visited 15 school districts,” the clerk said, describing the review process and the committee’s recommendation to move to HMH. The clerk presented two pricing options: a three-year plan for $84,666.13 and a five-year plan for $119,932.09, and recommended the longer option so staff could properly evaluate the program over time.

Teachers who reviewed the materials emphasized alignment with recent research on early literacy. “Since the science of reading, the curriculum game has changed… We have teachers that have embraced the science of reading, and they’re taking that by storm,” said Miss Skeggen, a district teacher, who argued the package would give teachers consistent materials for reading and writing instruction and provide online accessibility for students who need extra support or acceleration.

Board members asked about the digital component and whether materials for younger grades would include physical texts and workbooks; the clerk confirmed both print and online resources are included for all grades. Trustees also discussed transition planning after a committee facilitator leaves the district; presenters said classroom teachers had been part of the selection process and the candidate principal had expressed comfort with the transition.

After discussion, a motion to approve the five-year contract at $119,932.09 was made, seconded and approved by roll call. The clerk called the roll and each named member recorded a “yes.”

Votes at a glance - ELA curriculum (HMH) — Motion to approve five-year contract at $119,932.09; mover: Mister Meade; second: Mister Shook; outcome: approved (unanimous roll call). - Student fees — Motion to retain fees as presented for 2026–27; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Food service contract (Belleville #118) — Motion to renew contract for 2026–27; outcome: approved (roll call). - Board policy revisions — Second reading approved (voice vote). - Principal contract (Kiera Brown) — Three-year contract approved (roll call). - Retirement letter (Jim Jansen) — Accepted (voice vote). - Employment (head baseball coach Chris Smith) — Approved (roll call).

Why it matters: The district’s decision commits roughly $120,000 over five years to classroom materials and an online platform; supporters said the purchase aligns instructional resources with current literacy research and gives teachers a common curriculum to implement consistently. Critics or hesitant members asked for caution about transition and long-term budgeting; the board elected the longer contract to allow time for full implementation and evaluation.

What’s next: Implementation planning and teacher training were discussed as next steps; the board approved the contract and indicated staff will proceed with rollout and professional development for the 2026–27 year.