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Board approves $317K Wit & Wisdom K–5 ELA purchase, funded by 35j grant
Summary
After a successful 2024–25 pilot, Marquette Area Public Schools approved purchase of the Wit & Wisdom K–5 ELA curriculum at a total solution cost of $317,059.61, to be paid in full through a 35j literacy grant.
The Marquette Area Public Schools Board voted unanimously June 23 to purchase the Wit & Wisdom K–5 English language arts curriculum following a district pilot. Student Achievement Director Kathleen Stiles presented assessment and pilot results and recommended adoption; Principal Holly Muscoe described classroom engagement observed during the pilot, saying, "The magic is seeing kids with books and wanting to read." The board approved the purchase on a motion by Jennifer Klipp, seconded by Cherryl Maddox-Smith (motion carried 6–0).
Financial and procurement details: the quote provided by Great Minds lists a solution subtotal of $417,378.22 with discounts and shipping that reduce the pre-tax solution total to $317,059.61. Stiles told the board the district expects to fund the purchase entirely with a 35j literacy grant, and the motion specified grant-funded purchase. The board’s motion instructs staff to complete purchasing consistent with grant requirements.
Why it matters: adoption of a district-wide grade K–5 ELA curriculum represents a multi-year instructional commitment and affects materials, teacher training and implementation scope. The board approved the purchase contingent on grant funding and standard procurement steps.
