Board approves curriculum adoptions, renewals, fees and insurance; rejects expanded tier‑3 character‑education purchase in tie vote

The Hartford J1 School District board approved a bundle of instructional and operational items on May 27, including two curriculum adoptions, two software renewals, a professional‑development package, a fee schedule and an insurance renewal; one requested contract expansion failed on a tie vote.

Curriculum adoptions

The board voted to adopt Open SciEd for middle school science for the 2026–27 school year at a cost not to exceed $20,046. The motion (moved by a board member who spoke during the meeting) followed a multi‑step pilot the administration described as including student and family feedback and site visits. "This was a lengthy process that also included opportunities for feedback from families, students, staff, and the community," Dr. Villalobos said when introducing the adoption packet. The roll call recorded unanimous approval.

The board also approved two English language arts adoptions: Savvas MyView for K–5 (cost not to exceed $124,053.18 for three years) and Savvas MyPerspectives for grades 6–8 (cost not to exceed $88,148.66 for six years). Administration and the ELA committee described a multi‑year pilot and data review that guided the recommendation. Roll call passed the motion.

Practice program renewals

The board approved one‑year renewals for IXL (middle school practice program) at a cost not to exceed $11,107.50 and MobiMax (elementary) at a cost not to exceed $7,274; administrators said both are existing practice tools in district use.

Character education renewal — tie vote

Administration requested renewal of the district’s CharacterStrong and Purposeful People curriculum (tier 1 and tier 2) and an extension to add tier‑3 materials at a cost not to exceed $17,490. Supporters—including counselors and school leaders who presented earlier in the meeting—argued the resources create consistent language and decision points across buildings and help teachers address post‑pandemic behavior challenges. Opponents said the district can teach character using existing staff and questioned the additional expense. The roll call resulted in a tie; the motion failed. Board members asked administration to return next month with additional materials, teacher testimony and a clearer breakdown of what tier 3 includes.

Professional development and budgets

The board approved the district professional development plan for 2026–27 at a cost not to exceed $100,000. Administration said the amount reflects prioritization of high‑impact training and a narrower set of contracts than in previous years.

Fees, food prices and insurance

The board approved a five‑year school fee schedule and an increase in food service prices effective 2026–27: elementary lunch $3.25 (increase $0.15), middle school lunch $3.50 (increase $0.25), adult lunch $5.00 (increase $0.30), student breakfast $1.75 (increase $0.20), among other line items. Administration said the prices are in the mid‑range compared with comparable nearby districts.

Board members approved the property, casualty, liability and professional insurance renewal for 2026–27 at a gross premium not to exceed $280,082. The business manager said the premium increase (about $15,767, ~6%) is driven primarily by higher workers' compensation costs tied to incident experience and state rate changes; the district also expects a premium dividend that will reduce net cost.

Consent agenda and adjournment

The consent agenda (minutes, bills, treasurer’s report and personnel recommendations) passed by roll call and the meeting adjourned. Several items approved were flagged by administration as having been piloted and supported by committee work and staff input.