The Katy Independent School District (Katy ISD) Board Work Study Meeting on April 14, 2025, focused on the approval of new instructional materials and the certification of these materials for the 2025-2026 school year. Nakia Coy, the executive director of federal programs and external funding, presented an update on the instructional materials and technology allotment, which provides districts with flexibility in selecting textbooks and software.

Coy explained that the allotment is based on a per-pupil amount and is funded biennially, with the next funding cycle starting in September. The selection process for new materials began in November, involving review teams that assessed materials for alignment with course needs. This year, new instructional materials were identified for several secondary and Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses, including Advanced Placement Biology, French, and various engineering and cybersecurity classes.

The total cost for the new materials is approximately $930,000, with an additional estimated $5.6 million allocated for renewing current online textbook licenses and about $5.4 million for the final payment of an eight-year science adoption approved last year. In total, the district anticipates spending nearly $12 million, with an expected allotment of around $16 million this fall.

Coy emphasized the importance of certifying that students have access to instructional materials that meet Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) requirements. The board members engaged in discussions about the availability of textbooks, the transition to digital resources, and the financial implications of licensing versus purchasing physical books. Coy reassured trustees that the district aims to minimize unnecessary purchases and regularly reviews software usage to ensure efficiency.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to maintaining a careful balance between updating instructional materials and managing costs effectively, ensuring that students receive the necessary resources for their education.