Board reviews proposed English II novels and approves consolidated district plan and ISU placement agreement

High‑school English department leaders presented a set of proposed novels to better differentiate English II and English II Honors, including young‑adult versions and a graphic‑novel option, and said selected materials will be on display for community review at the Mahomet Public Library for 30 days starting the next day.

Jamie Colbert and other English department leaders described the curriculum work as an effort to clarify course identity, avoid overlap with English I and select engaging texts that align to Illinois literacy standards. Administrators noted the department reviewed texts, standards alignment and proposed literature‑circle options for classroom use; the board took the presentation as discussion only and the materials were placed on public display for feedback.

Separately, the board approved an updated teacher‑education placement agreement with Illinois State University to continue hosting student observers and student teachers, and approved the consolidated district plan required to access federal Title and IDEA funds. District administrators said federal Title and IDEA funding has declined in recent years — noting roughly a $160,000 dip in Title funds over two years and an approximately $80,000 decrease in IDEA funds — and explained programmatic impacts such as reduced flexibility for positions previously funded by federal grants.

The board voted to approve both the ISU placement agreement and the consolidated district plan by roll call.