Board approves Kiddom for elementary math and new secondary social studies materials; adopts 2027–28 calendar

Dr. Cindy Williams and Dr. Wendy Durham presented the spring 2026 textbook adoption recommendations and the process the district used to solicit teacher and community feedback. For elementary math the district recommended Kiddom, citing alignment to Virginia standards and teacher surveys; staff said grant funding covers the adoption, which they estimated at roughly $720,000 for a six‑year digital license plus teacher materials and training.

"We received 201 responses and 178 were for Kiddom," Dr. Durham said, noting teacher input from a February professional‑development day drove the recommendation. The social‑studies review produced multiple publisher selections appropriate to particular grade bands: 5 Ponds Press for grades 6–8, McGraw Hill for eighth‑grade geography and select high‑school courses, and W. W. Norton for 11th‑grade U.S. history. Staff estimated the secondary materials cost around $291,118 and said funds were budgeted in FY27.

The board moved and approved the recommended adoptions by voice vote. Later in the meeting Chief Instructional Officer Archie Freeman presented three calendar options and reported 1,180 survey responses; the calendar committee recommended Option 3 (semester ends before winter break; first day for students Aug. 10; graduation before Memorial Day). The board voted to approve calendar Option 3.