Oak Grove presents furniture pilot findings and baseline classroom standards

At the Jan. 16 board meeting the Oak Grove School District presented results of a year-long classroom furniture pilot and a districtwide survey that staff say will shape furniture purchases tied to Measure P modernization.

Assistant Superintendent Anna and COO Gabriel Altamirano summarized a multi-step pilot: a task force defined standards, pilot classrooms across grade bands tested furniture options over months, open houses and a professional-development showcase allowed additional staff to test pieces, and a 185-response survey was weighted toward pilot teachers and in-person reviewers to produce recommended baselines.

Altamirano said the district will offer a menu of grade-level options rather than a single universal package. Key recommendations: TK–1 classrooms should use mobile tables with integrated storage, chairs with glides (not wheels) and developmentally appropriate play areas; grades 2–5 should prioritize mobile tables and chairs with wheels for collaboration; grades 6–8 should include adjustable-height tables and mobile seating to support flexible layouts. The team also recommended calming corners and a minimum of 3–4 bookcases depending on room size.

Staff reported that many pilot manufacturers provided discounted pricing during the pilot and said buying at scale across school sites should lower per-item costs. They described next steps: confirming grade-level menus, soliciting competitive quotes that include warranty and service provisions, and returning to the board with final vendor recommendations and firm pricing so orders can be placed for summer installations. Audio-visual recommendations are being finalized and will be presented separately.

No vote was required for the information item; trustees praised the engagement process and asked clarifying questions about TK play furniture, library input, and interim replacement stock.