Pennridge weighs shelving full FOSS purchase for one year while testing departmentalization

Pennridge School District staff told the curriculum committee they remain committed to FOSS Pathways as the district’s chosen 3–5 science curriculum but recommended postponing full material purchases while the district evaluates elementary departmentalization models that could reduce the number of classroom kits needed.

K–12 science and STEM supervisor Christine Tamberino presented cost scenarios showing that outfitting every classroom at current staffing levels would require about 21 FOSS class kits at roughly $3,000 each. Tamberino said she and vendors discussed spreading purchases over multiple years; she estimated year‑one district costs for investment materials around $160,000 under one phasing plan, and said total previously requested program materials were roughly $221,000.

Tamberino told the committee a departmentalization model—where fewer teachers specialize in science for grades 3–5—could cut the number of kits from 21 to about seven, saving an estimated $40,000 at the grade‑4 level. While the district evaluates departmentalization for 2027–28, staff asked the board to approve an interim purchase of Mystery Science consumable class packs for grades 3–5 for the 2026–27 school year at a total cost of $34,020.

Board members asked for clarification on the original ask and how cost‑spreading would work; Tamberino said vendors offered phased purchase options and that Mystery Science is fully aligned with state standards for the interim year. Speaker 6 noted that grade‑5 teachers had given strong positive feedback about Mystery Science as the district prepares students for state PSSA assessments.

Next steps: staff said they will continue conversations with FOSS Pathways and administrators and bring a recommendation tied to departmentalization decisions to the board later in the year.