Queen Anne's County Board approves $53K chemistry curriculum for high schools

A significant decision emerged from the Queen Anne's County Board of Education meeting on July 2, 2025, as members approved an eight-year contract for a new high school chemistry curriculum. The total cost of the contract is $53,508.80, which is included in the budget for fiscal year 2026.

The curriculum, titled "Experience Chemistry" and published by Savas, is expected to enhance the educational experience for students while being cost-effective. Board members highlighted that the price is significantly lower than previous options, thanks to several strategic decisions made by teachers and administrators.

Key factors contributing to the reduced cost include the existing stock of chemicals and supplies in classrooms, which means the district will not need to purchase additional materials immediately. Furthermore, the decision to buy digital licenses only for half of the students—due to the semesterized nature of the course—also helped lower expenses. This allows students to share resources effectively, integrating seamlessly with the district's Schoology platform.

The board's approval reflects a commitment to providing quality education while managing budgetary constraints. The curriculum is set to be implemented in the upcoming school year, promising to deliver a robust chemistry education to high school students in Queen Anne's County.