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Board approves new K–12 science resources and a 9th‑grade physical‑science requirement starting 2026–27
Summary
After a year-long review, the board approved a district-wide package of science materials (elementary, middle and high school) and agreed the district will require physical science for ninth graders beginning in 2026–27, with options for acceleration into honors biology.
The board voted to adopt a recommended K–12 science materials package after a curriculum review led by the district’s chief academic officer.
Doctor Nowak said the process included teacher, student and community pilots and audits. For elementary grades the district plans to adopt Science Studies Weekly, Mystery Science and extend Gizmos to grades 3–5; the middle school will use McGraw Hill Inspire Science paired with FOSS kits for hands-on investigations. At the high school level the department recommended updated texts for AP Biology, physical geology and physical science.
Nowak explained a curricular pathway change: district leaders recommended that physical science be required for ninth grade starting in 2026–27 so students have foundational lab and graphing skills before advancing to chemistry or physics. She said students who prefer honors biology as freshmen may still access that pathway through existing options—single-subject acceleration, credit flexibility, or concurrent enrollment.
"Our recommendation is that beginning in the 2026–27 school year, we recommend that physical science is required for ninth-grade students," Nowak told the board. The board approved the resource adoption and the curricular recommendation. The chief academic officer noted the total maximum cost for resources, labs and consumables is about $229,000; she said that figure is already included in the district budget and five-year forecast.
Next steps: staff will order resources, update curriculum maps on the district website, schedule professional development and prepare implementation planning for fall.
