El Dorado board adopts new elementary science curriculum, approves gym and facility planning and several program and personnel measures

The El Dorado Unified School District Board approved a bundle of curriculum, facilities and program measures during its meeting, including a three‑year adoption of Mystery Science for kindergarten through fifth grade and a refinishing project for the high school gym floor.

Rachel Shipley, who has overseen recent curriculum adoptions, told the board that teachers rated the pilot highly and that the Mystery Science package includes online curriculum and lab kits. “This was at a 90% approval rating from the teachers,” Shipley said. The board approved the adoption as presented; the transcript records a three‑year total stated during discussion as $32,579, though the precise line‑item breakdown was not included in the board record presented at the meeting.

Facilities projects approved or authorized include a refinishing of El Dorado High School’s competition gym court and replacement of weight‑room racks. Carter (staff member, facilities) said the redesigned court will be much brighter and “it’s gonna look beautiful,” and the motion to proceed with the gym floor passed. The board also approved a $33,750 master‑planning contract with GravityWorks for a multi‑phase review of the district’s support‑services facility; the contract covers planning phases and allows phased approvals as the project advances.

The board approved…