Lincoln County board approves five-year HMH early-literacy package with split payment plan

The Lincoln County Board of Education on Tuesday approved the purchase of a five‑year English/language‑arts curriculum from HMH, choosing the package as the district’s consolidated early‑literacy program.

Administrators told the board they narrowed vendors after reviewing the state’s high‑quality instructional materials list, visiting schools that use competing products, and convening an instructional leadership team of grade‑level representatives and special‑education staff. The team recommended HMH because it includes phonics, reading comprehension, writing and built‑in assessment components rather than relying on multiple supplemental programs.

"I am recommending that we go with HMH for the five‑year plan," Dr. Cunningham said, presenting the instructional team’s findings and cost options. The district negotiated a split‑payment arrangement to reduce up‑front burden: approximately $68,869 due in July and $70,167 due after January on a quoted five‑year price of $138,869. Shipping and professional‑learning fees were discussed separately and included in the overall cost projections.

Board members asked about comparative per‑year costs and heard staff say the new package is roughly in line with prior annual spending on phonics and reading supports, but that the up‑front payment structure changes timing for the district. Administrators said they had three parents review sample materials and that parents praised the high‑quality literature included in the HMH materials.

The motion to purchase HMH with the split payment option was made on the record and approved by the board.

The purchase will bring curriculum materials and teacher professional development to elementary classrooms; administrators said they will continue to refine local implementation details, including how the HMH writing component will be augmented to align with state writing expectations for grades three through five.