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Local school‑founder urges district to overhaul K–2 reading supports, recommends UFLI partnership
Summary
Bridal Burd of Putnam Classical Academy told the board that 59% of the district’s third graders are not proficient in reading and urged an MTSS overhaul grounded in the science of reading, including consultation with the University of Florida Literacy Institute and consideration of UFLI Foundations curriculum.
Bridal Burd, founder and head of Putnam Classical Academy, urged the Putnam County School District board to strengthen and realign its kindergarten‑to‑2nd‑grade multi‑tiered system of supports (MTSS) around the science of reading. Citing district results, Burd said, "59 percent of Putnam County's 3rd grade students did not score proficient in reading on the state assessment," and argued the gap suggests the district should review core curriculum, instruction fidelity, and assessment systems.
Burd recommended the district consult with the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI), which she described as nationally recognized and able to provide implementation guidance and professional development; she noted UFLI achieved a 90% third‑grade proficiency rate at the UF campus school. She also recommended considering curricular alternatives such as UFLI Foundations and emphasized early identification and teacher‑led interventions rather than reliance on computer programs.
Board members and staff confirmed the district already has an MTSS framework but acknowledged persistent third‑grade reading challenges. Several trustees welcomed further engagement and one suggested district staff reach out to Burd to discuss her recommendations. The board’s strategic plan adopted later in the meeting reaffirmed K–3 reading as a priority area and called for verifiable performance tracking drawn from state databases.
Burd also raised concerns about parents being denied access to CUM/IEP records; she requested the district review procedures so parents may exercise rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The board directed staff to follow up with speakers about records access.
