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Board approves $90,086.59 for Open Up math/reading for grades 6–8; authorizes up to $50,000 for K–5 materials
Summary
Following teacher and curriculum‑committee recommendations, the Lexington City School Board approved purchase of Open Up instructional materials for middle school and authorized up to $50,000 for elementary resources, with final elementary costs to be returned for approval if above that amount.
Lexington, N.C. — The Lexington City School Board on July 15 approved a $90,086.59 purchase of Open Up Reading and Math for grades 6–8 and authorized district staff to spend up to $50,000 on kindergarten through grade 5 instructional resources, pending final pricing.
The board's motion approved the Open Up middle‑school package and gave the superintendent authority to finalize elementary purchases so teachers have materials available at the start of the 2025–26 school year. The presenter said the recommendations came after direct input from classroom teachers, lead teachers and school administrators and were reviewed by the curriculum committee.
Why it matters: The purchases fund core instructional materials intended to align classroom instruction to standards and provide diagnostics, lesson plans and differentiation supports that teachers will use daily.
District staff described the materials and rationale. Open Up is “a student‑centered problem‑based learning resource that provides support to our English learners,” the presenter said, and includes unit plans, presentation slides, digital and print assessments, and differentiated small‑group materials. i‑Ready was described as an established diagnostic and personalized instructional toolbox used by the district for more than three years.
The presenter asked for additional time to negotiate final pricing with Curriculum Associates for elementary i‑Ready licensing; the board authorized up to $50,000 now so teachers can receive materials and training prior to students' arrival. The presenter emphasized that the request for authority was intended to ensure teacher planning time with the new materials rather than to commit the entire elementary budget immediately.
Motion and outcome: Doctor Phillips moved to approve the purchase; Miss Verdell seconded. The board approved the motion by electronic vote; the motion passed and staff will return in August with final costs if additional authorization is required.
What happens next: Staff will finalize pricing with vendors and provide the final cost to the board in August if the elementary purchase exceeds the $50,000 authorization.
Note: The $90,086.59 figure on the board slide covers middle‑school Open Up resources; the presenter said the district is not requesting $183,000 tonight and will provide a final quote and recommendation for any additional elementary spending.
