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Board approves freshman engineering course and new science materials, authorizes expert support
Summary
Trustees approved a new "Engineering Essentials" course for freshmen and voted to purchase supplemental science materials for grades 5–8 and to contract with a science expert for curriculum development and teacher training.
The Danville School District 118 Board of Education on Monday approved several curriculum items designed to strengthen STEM offerings.
The board unanimously approved a recommendation to add an "Engineering Essentials" course aimed at freshmen to build on existing Project Lead The Way coursework at the high school. The motion passed 7–0.
Separately, trustees approved a package to purchase fifth‑through‑eighth‑grade science materials (to replace a pilot that "was not a good fit" in some buildings) and to contract with Dr. Carol Baker — described by staff as a widely recognized science educator who helped develop NGSS-related assessments — to help the district adapt open-source curriculum and provide professional development. Administration described the combined not‑to‑exceed cost as approximately $85,137.77 (materials ~$44,183.70 plus up to $41,000 for expert services); staff said materials would be owned by the district and ongoing online fees would be minimal.
Why it matters: The board framed these approvals as strengthening the district's STEM pipeline, offering earlier engineering exposure and aligning middle-level science instruction with classroom practice.
What the record shows: Both items passed on roll-call votes with unanimous support; staff said Dr. Baker would help the district create a consistent curriculum to bring back to the board after development and professional development.
