Shawnee Heights board approves curriculum maps, library license, tech renewals and fee changes in unanimous vote

The Shawnee Heights Board of Education voted unanimously on several consent and business items, approving curriculum maps, library resources, technology renewals, a short-term contract and changes to student fees and meal prices.

Curriculum maps: The board approved 11 library curriculum maps that cover pre-K through sixth grade at the elementary level, orientation and database/“book tasting” units at middle school, and research-oriented units and digital citizenship at the high school. Presenters said the maps aim to scaffold library skills year-to-year, teach digital citizenship and support research instruction tied to English-language-arts standards. The motion to approve the maps was made by board member Lauren Tice Miller and seconded by Christie (last name not specified); the vote was recorded as 7-0 in favor.

Library resources (Beanstack): Elementary media specialists requested a paid license for Beanstack, a reading-tracking platform staff said would let buildings set reading goals and track out-of-school reading activity. Board member Christina Fleming said she reviewed the product and supported the purchase as an incentive for independent reading; the motion to approve the Beanstack license was made by Christina Fleming and seconded by Rocky Busenitz, passing 7-0.

Independent contractor: The board approved a contract with Nathan Hofstra to assist with summer rehiring processes. District staff described Hofstra as a former director who will help manage hiring over the summer. The motion to approve the contract was made by Erica Price, seconded by Rosa Kavasos, and passed 7-0.

Microsoft renewal: The board approved the district’s annual Microsoft licensing renewal. District technology staff said prior consolidation onto Microsoft services eliminated several small subscriptions and saved about $7,000 last year; the renewal covers Office applications, email accounts for staff and students and server core licensing through the state contract. The motion to approve the renewal was made by Rocky Busenitz and seconded by Sarah Darting; the vote was 7-0.

Student fees: District staff presented a consolidated list of proposed student fees for 2025–26, including class-specific fees, instrument rental and technology/repair-related charges. Staff said some fees were new (for newly offered classes) while others reflect cost increases; the summary presented to the board showed net increases of $33 at the elementary level, $59 at the middle school and $35 at the high school across all changes. The board moved to approve the fees (motion by Christie, second by Christina Fleming); the vote was 7-0.

Meal prices: The board approved increases to meal prices for the coming school year. The proposal raised elementary breakfast to $2.00 (from $1.70) and set secondary breakfast at $2.00 (from $1.95); district food-service staff said only about 9% of paid students eat breakfast and that vendors have notified the district of expected 10–15% price increases next year. Reduced-price and free-meal reimbursement rules remain in place; the motion to approve meal pricing was made by Rosa Kavasos and seconded by Lauren Tice Miller, passing 7-0.

Apogee (communications) renewal: The board authorized renewal of the Apogee contract that manages the district websites, the district app and communication tools; district staff said the new Engage newsletter feature included with the vendor replaces S’More and offers unlimited users at about the same price. Christina Fleming moved for approval and Sarah Darting seconded; the vote was 7-0.

Why it matters: The approvals affect how the district tracks student reading, communicates with families, maintains core software and recoups consumable costs through fees. Staff said vendor price inflation and rising repair costs (notably iPad and MacBook screens) drove some fee adjustments and service renewals.

Votes at a glance - Approve curriculum maps (11 maps, pre-K–12 library instruction): motion Lauren Tice Miller; second Christie; outcome approved 7-0. - Purchase Beanstack license (elementary reading tracking): motion Christina Fleming; second Rocky Busenitz; outcome approved 7-0. - Contract with Nathan Hofstra (independent contractor, summer rehiring support): motion Erica Price; second Rosa Kavasos; outcome approved 7-0. - Microsoft licensing renewal (district software, email, server cores): motion Rocky Busenitz; second Sarah Darting; outcome approved 7-0. - Approve student fees schedule for 2025–26 (various class and consumable fees; net increases $33 elementary, $59 middle, $35 high school): motion Christie; second Christina Fleming; outcome approved 7-0. - Meal price adjustments (elementary breakfast $1.70 → $2.00; secondary breakfast $1.95 → $2.00): motion Rosa Kavasos; second Lauren Tice Miller; outcome approved 7-0. - Apogee website/communications renewal (including Engage newsletter): motion Christina Fleming; second Sarah Darting; outcome approved 7-0.

No item in the recorded consent agenda failed; all motions were approved by voice vote with the tally announced as seven in favor and none opposed.