The North Wasco County SD 21 board approved a seven‑year adoption of new science instructional materials for K–12, selecting Mystery Science for kindergarten through fifth grade, Lab‑Aids for grades six through eight and Patterns High School Science for grades nine through 12. The board voted in favor of the recommendation after a presentation by curriculum staff.

The adoption committee, made up of teacher leaders and district curriculum staff, recommended keeping Mystery Science at the elementary level and integrating science instruction more intentionally with the district’s English language arts programs. Shannon, a curriculum staff member, told the board that Mystery Science is digital, available in Spanish, and “lessons begin with a question that promotes curiosity.” The district will purchase a three‑year Mystery Science license for about $15,000 and budget roughly $5,000 a year for consumable materials, Shannon said.

For middle grades, the committee recommended Lab‑Aids, a set of vetted materials from the state’s high‑quality instructional materials list. Shannon said the initial cost for Lab‑Aids is higher — roughly $100,000 — because that figure includes durable equipment sets for classrooms and hardbound student materials; ongoing digital access and portal fees are estimated at about $11,000 per year. For high school, the board approved the Patterns High School Science for All materials (the current core) and recommended McGraw‑Hill resources for selected elective courses; Shannon estimated elective costs under $20,000 and noted patterns-related professional development costs could be significant.

Board members asked how the purchases fit in next year’s budget. The district CFO confirmed the planned purchases were included in the textbook replacement fund and that the district has budgeted for the phased adoption.

Motion and vote: Director Richardson moved to approve the K–12 science adoption as presented; Director Bach seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote with all present voting aye.

What the adoption means: purchases will be phased rather than paid up front for the full seven‑year cycle to reduce immediate cost pressure. The board packet and presentation show the district will buy initial durable Lab‑Aids kits now and stagger further materials purchases across future years as elective offerings expand.

The board also discussed next steps for Innovations Virtual Academy curriculum and noted that online curriculum approvals from the Oregon Department of Education may require additional independent adoptions next year for subject areas the state has not yet vetted.

The board approved the adoption and asked staff to return with final purchase amounts and a timeline for deliveries and professional development.