Park Ridge District 64 board adopts Amplify CKLA for grades 3–5 at $419,774

The Park Ridge Community Consolidated School District 64 Board of Education approved adoption of the Amplify CKLA curriculum for grades 3 through 5 on March 20, 2025, at a total cost of $419,774.

District staff said the recommendation follows work to resolve scheduling and special-education sequencing that had delayed a full K–5 adoption after the district previously approved the program for kindergarten through second grade. Samantha (last name not specified), a district staff member presenting the proposal, told the board that scheduling and professional-development issues affecting the Channel of Challenge program and special education had been addressed and the program is ready for grades 3–5 pending board approval.

The move is intended to place reading and writing instruction in the same classroom block for students in the district’s integrated program; staff said that will increase instructional time for some students in the challenge program from about 60 minutes to 105 minutes. Board member Gareth moved the adoption; Board member Phyllis seconded the motion. The board recorded votes in favor and the motion carried.

Board members asked about services for advanced students after the change reduces the weekly primary-challenge pull-out to one day. Samantha said kindergarten and early-grade teachers provide daily differentiation and that the district will continue to provide in-class acceleration and enrichment.

The board packet and presentation include details on professional development timed to begin in May if the board approved the purchase. The adoption replaces or supplements existing K–2 adoption and extends Amplify CKLA to grades 3–5.

Votes at the meeting were recorded by name during roll call. The board president called the motion approved following the recorded affirmative votes.