Gravette board adopts new K–12 math materials on three-year contract

The Gravette School District Board approved a three-year adoption of new math instructional materials for K–12 on May 20, awarding K–5 materials to Eureka Math Squared and high-school algebra/geometry to Illustrative Math (branded as Imagine I AM).

Andrew (curriculum staff) told the board the elementary team preferred Eureka Math Squared for its direct-instruction components and supports, while recommended high-school courses use Illustrative Math to align with problem-based instruction. The middle school will pilot both programs this summer and decide for grades 6–8 before a formal roll-out.

"I shared a quote for a one-year quote, and then I shared a three-year quote," Andrew said during the presentation, noting the three-year contract reduces per-year costs. He told the board that the first-year price typically includes teacher materials and consumables; recurring annual costs would cover digital subscriptions and consumable workbooks. The staff recommended the three-year option to secure the cost-savings and continuity for teachers and students.

Why it matters

The district has not updated its math curriculum in roughly a decade, board members noted, and the new materials will standardize K–12 content and reduce the ad-hoc work teachers now produce. The board approved paying the three-year amount up front from student-growth and building funds, with staff continuing negotiations on professional development packages with the vendors.

How the decision was made

Teachers reviewed vendor demonstrations, piloted lessons, and consulted with staff in neighboring districts that have implemented similar splits (elementary Eureka; secondary Illustrative). Middle school teachers will pilot both programs before the 2025–26 school year to determine which units to adopt at that level.

Board members discussed contract flexibility and return/exit options. Andrew said vendors typically provide digital updates to meet changing Arkansas learning standards; the three-year agreement includes updates that the vendors will deliver, and staff will negotiate professional development as a separate or negotiated element of the contract.

Budget and next steps

Andrew estimated recurring annual costs (after the initial year) at roughly $35,000 for K–5 and about $30,000 for the high-school courses, based on the vendors' one-year quotes; the board approved the three-year purchase to capture vendor discounts. Staff will finalize purchase orders and return to the board with implementation timelines and professional development arrangements ahead of fall classes.

Ending

Board members said the purchase will ease teachers' planning load, provide consistent materials for students and parents, and the middle-school pilot will help ensure a smoother K–12 transition.