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Cedar Springs board approves $61,322.50 expansion of summer "Kids Read Now" reading program
Summary
The board approved $61,322.50 to expand the Kids Read Now summer reading program to students entering grades 1–5, increasing books per student from six to eight and adding chapter books for fifth graders; staff said early data show reduced summer slide but cautioned causation is not established.
The Cedar Springs Public Schools Board of Education voted Jan. 19 to fund an expanded summer reading program, approving a $61,322.50 contract with Kids Read Now to send books home with students over the summer.
District staff presented the proposal to scale the program that ran last year for students entering grades 1–4. The 2026 plan adds chapter books for students entering fifth grade and increases the number of books sent per student from six to eight.
"We are looking to expand the program for the upcoming year," the presenter told trustees, describing distribution, logging of completed books on the Kids Read Now website, and automatic shipment of the next title when students record progress. Staff said the district saw less of a decline in beginning-of-year scores for grades that participated last year, but added: "I can't tell you with assurance that that was why" test scores changed.
The presentation addressed logistics and timing: staff said a tighter timeline last year slowed deliveries and that earlier board approval would allow the district to complete paperwork and distribution before spring break. Trustees asked about metrics of success and whether neighboring districts use the same program; staff said hard evaluation data are limited after one year but family feedback and student participation were strong.
A motion to accept the 2026 Kids Read Now proposal was made and, following roll-call votes with board officers responding "Yes," the motion carried.
The board will proceed with contracting and implementation steps; staff will continue to track participation and any measurable academic changes next year.
