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District recommends new K–12 science and high‑school math materials; estimated cost within budget
Summary
A teacher committee recommended adopting new science materials K–12 and new math materials for grades 9–11; the district reported the materials, lab upgrades and professional development would fit the available adoption budget.
District curriculum leaders told trustees on Feb. 11 that teachers and a curriculum committee have recommended a series of adoptions intended to align scope and sequence across the district and refresh instructional materials.
Assistant Superintendent Johnson presented the committee’s recommendations: Mystery Science for kindergarten through fifth grade science; Twig Science for middle school science; Inspire Science (McGraw Hill) for physical science and chemistry at the secondary level; Miller‑Levine Biology for high school biology; Illustrative Math for grades nine and ten; and the new version of Big Ideas for 11th grade (replacing the district’s current high-school product). The recommendation also included AP course materials where needed.
District staff estimated adoption costs at $385,000 for the instructional materials package, an additional $18,000 for lab materials, and roughly $40,000 for professional development to support teacher implementation. Johnson said the math and science adoptions came in within the previously revised budget for adoption work; funding would be drawn from the structural improvement/adoption allocation.
Trustees and committee members discussed program fit and scope. Committee member Darlene Dyer observed Mystery Science is often used as a component program in elementary settings; Johnson said the district plans to pair Mystery Science with remaining FOSS lab materials to maintain a hands-on lab experience. Board members asked about market pricing trends and were told curriculum costs have increased approximately 24% over the last six years and that statewide funding for curriculum is limited.
The board did not take final adoption votes that evening; the recommendation will return on the action agenda for formal adoption according to policy timelines.
