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Greene County school board approves $81,030 HMH literacy package for middle school
Summary
The Greene County Comm School District board approved a three-year purchase of the HMH literacy curriculum and coaching for the middle school, a $81,030.17 package partially offset by approximately $44,000 in ESSA funds; administrators cited pilot results and state guidance on evidence-based materials.
The Greene County Comm School District board voted to purchase the HMH middle-school literacy curriculum and associated coaching services after administrators described a multi-step pilot and vetting process.
Administrators said the purchase—listed at $81,030.17—covers three years of materials and coaching support. District presenters told the board roughly $44,000 in ESSA (at‑risk) funds and carryover would be applied to materials, with the remaining general‑fund portion spread over three years.
Mrs. Peterson, who led the curriculum presentation, said teachers piloted HMH and a competing program, Amplify, in four- to six-week rotations and evaluated classroom fit, platform reliability and alignment to the district’s literacy priorities. "We wanted teacher voice and teacher autonomy," she said, describing a teacher vote that favored HMH by 31 to 1. She added the district aims to strengthen tier‑one instruction and close foundational gaps in reading.
Presenters cited outcome data from a similar district (Nevada) that, they said, saw a 10 percent jump in proficiency after one year and additional gains the second year with training and fidelity. Administrators also emphasized the state's push toward high‑quality instructional materials and the "science of reading" as drivers for selecting a standards‑aligned curriculum.
The purchase includes an $8,700 coaching bundle that administrators said is important for initial implementation and teacher support; coaching includes one‑on‑one sessions, remote support and on‑site observation early in the rollout. District staff said coaching is included for the initial implementation year and internal staff would provide support to onboard new teachers in subsequent years.
Board members asked about cost and funding sources. Administration explained carryover and a recent $30,000 award with about $28,000 allocated for materials, leaving the remainder to be financed from general funds over a three‑year payment schedule.
The board approved the motion by roll call. The purchase is scheduled to be implemented across grades 5–8 with grade‑appropriate HMH modules (Into Reading for grades 5–6; Into Literature for grades 7–8) and associated professional development.
Next steps: administration will finalize contract details, schedule initial training, and plan classroom implementation for the coming school year.
