The Hickman County Board of Education approved a new science textbook adoption at the meeting after a committee review and teacher votes. Staff said the adoption followed the state textbook review process; the Tennessee Textbook Commission and State Board of Education produced the statewide list of approved materials, which the district used to select a vendor.

A committee made up of teacher representatives from each school reviewed the approved materials and conducted trials in classrooms. According to staff, nine voting classroom teachers participated in the district committee; five of the nine voted to recommend Savvas. The district provided a letter certifying the materials are free from prohibited concepts, per board request.

Staff explained the chosen materials have both physical and digital components. The committee recommended that K–2 materials be delivered as digital resources (district staff said K–2 students benefit from hands-on activities and recorded/read-aloud features), with physical or digital access for higher grades. The presentation noted digital access allows text-to-speech and language supports; teachers can also adjust reading levels.

District materials estimated the textbook purchase at roughly $250,000–$300,000 and said state textbook funds are available to pay for the adoption. Board members thanked the committee for the multi-month review; staff noted adoptions are long-term investments and the materials are expected to remain in use for several years.

Ending: The board voted to adopt the recommended science curriculum following the committee recommendation and confirmation of state approval; staff will proceed with purchases and distribute materials based on grade-level plans.