School system leaders told the joint meeting they are reinforcing reading instruction and continuing a required financial literacy graduation credit while also keeping cursive handwriting in upper elementary grades.

Dr. McCabe and curriculum staff described an updated K–5 reading program (Benchmark Advance) aligned with the “science of reading” and said the district is investing in instructional materials and professional learning to strengthen phonics, phonemic awareness and early-grade interventions. Staff noted the state superintendent has emphasized reading by third grade, and the district said it will continue interventions for students who do not meet grade-level benchmarks.

On financial literacy, staff confirmed the school system requires a half-credit financial-literacy course above the state-required minimum; it remains part of graduation requirements. The county’s housing-work group recommended further emphasis on affordability topics, and staff said they will consider incorporating practical housing- and rent-focused financial topics into existing coursework.

Cursive instruction remains part of the elementary program in grades 3–5 and is integrated with writing foundations; staff said local teachers report positive reception and that classroom time is allocated for handwriting practice. Officials also said the district will continue to monitor outcomes and adjust interventions to ensure students meet reading and writing benchmarks.

The meeting did not present individual student cases beyond general statements about interventions; officials noted students with disabilities may lawfully graduate with individualized education program (IEP) accommodations that affect grade-level reading expectations. Staff said they will provide additional information and that the district pursues state-aligned reading accountability and intervention steps.

Taper: staff asked stakeholders to watch forthcoming progress reports and said the district will share details on new instructional resources and intervention outcomes in future board materials.