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Board approves K–8 math curriculum purchase and leases new RISE site
Summary
At its March 24 meeting the Ralston Public Schools Board of Education approved the district purchase of a K–8 math curriculum from Savvas for $450,787.63 and authorized a three‑year lease for a new RISE program location at 8527 Park Drive. Both motions passed unanimously.
The Ralston Public Schools Board of Education on March 24 approved two major operational moves: a $450,787.63 purchase of a K–8 math curriculum from Savvas and a three‑year lease for the district’s RISE alternative education program at 8527 Park Drive.
Board members voted unanimously on both items. The Savvas curriculum purchase was presented following a year‑long pilot and review by district teachers; the lease for the RISE program was presented as a replacement for the district’s prior off‑site location and emphasizes proximity to Ralston High School and ADA‑compliant facilities.
Why it matters: The curriculum purchase is a multi‑year instructional investment that will change classroom materials and teacher training for kindergarten through eighth grade. The new RISE site, a short walk from the high school, is intended to reduce transportation burdens and give program staff easier access to district resources and to students who split time between RISE and the high school.
Details on the purchases and votes - K–8 math curriculum: Motion to approve the purchase of K–8 math curriculum from Savvas in the amount of $450,787.63; motion carried unanimously. Teachers who piloted materials across buildings recommended Savvas based on classroom observations, student feedback and coach reviews. The district plans phased training for teachers this summer and monitoring in year one to guide implementation. - RISE lease: Motion to approve the lease of 8527 Park Drive for the RISE program as presented (three‑year term noted in staff presentation); motion carried unanimously. The space includes two ADA‑compliant restrooms, existing office furniture that the district will inherit at no additional cost and an open floor plan the RISE staff said fits their needs.
Discussion highlights and next steps District leaders said teacher pilots evaluated both Savvas and an alternative (HMH/Into Math). Staff reported that Savvas provided clearer scaffolding and matched instructional shifts the district prioritized; the board asked for an implementation plan that lists “must‑do” uses and optional resources so teachers can phase into the new materials. The board approved the purchase contingent on the regular budget and implementation planning process.
On the RISE lease, administrators noted the space required no district‑funded build‑out beyond routine cleaning and minor cosmetic work; the landlord will not require the district to bring the building up to code at district expense. Staff said being within walking distance of the high school should reduce transportation scheduling conflicts and help program staff remain connected to district services.
Votes at a glance - Purchase: K–8 math curriculum (Savvas). Amount: $450,787.63. Vote: unanimous (Aye: Miss Rorty; Missus Crass; Missus Richards; Missus Coomer; Miss Huff). Outcome: approved. - Lease: 8527 Park Drive for RISE program. Term: staff recommended three years. Vote: unanimous (Aye: Missus Coomer; Miss Rorty; Missus Huff; Missus Richards; Missus Krauss). Outcome: approved.
Board members asked staff to return implementation and training timelines to the board (math adoption) and to provide a district contact for the RISE site move so the board can track opening and any required code/permitting items.
Ending District staff said teacher training and initial implementation support for the math curriculum will begin this summer; the RISE program team expects to occupy the new site in July, subject to final lease paperwork and routine move logistics.
