Board approves new elementary literacy textbooks after teachers raise concerns

The Georgetown County School Board approved the 2024–25 elementary textbook adoption after a discussion in which board members relayed teacher concerns and district staff described the vetting process.

One board member said they had received multiple elementary teacher comments questioning the textbook’s alignment with new state phonics training and described publisher website usability issues; that member urged the board to hear from these teachers before approving the literacy adoption. District administrators responded that they followed board policy for textbook adoption, solicited teacher and stakeholder feedback through the textbook caravan review process, and asked the publisher specific questions about alignment and professional development.

Dr. Bethany Gals (speaking during the discussion) said the district verified alignment with the state standards and confirmed the publisher provides professional development aligned to the district’s phonics training. She also emphasized that textbooks are a support to district curriculum and that teachers should unpack standards and supplement materials as needed.

After discussion the motion to adopt the textbooks carried on a voice vote; the board did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript.