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Niles board adopts K–5 Amplify CKLA curriculum; board approves course title change and routine motions
Summary
The Niles Community Schools Board unanimously approved Amplify CKLA for K–5 with a seven‑year commitment, noting a total cost of $542,306.92 and $309,000 covered by a Section 35m grant; the board also approved a course title change and a slate of personnel and contract items.
The Niles Community Schools Board of Education on March 16 unanimously approved the adoption of Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) 3rd Edition for kindergarten through fifth grade as a seven‑year curriculum commitment.
Brooke Brawley, who presented the recommendation, told the board the total cost for the program is $542,306.92 and that $309,000 of that amount will be covered by a Section 35m Grant; the district will be responsible for the remaining $233,306.92. Brawley said teachers who piloted the program provided positive feedback on classroom impact and usability.
The board also approved a course title change, moving “Personal Finance” to “Financial Literacy” for the 2026–27 school year. That change was recommended by the Student Achievement Committee and approved by unanimous vote.
Votes at a glance • 25/26‑103 — Adoption of K–5 Amplify CKLA (motion by Dana Daniels, second David Fish): Approved unanimously. • 25/26‑102 — Course title change Personal Finance → Financial Literacy (motion by Dana Daniels, second Marcella Taylor): Approved unanimously. • 25/26‑95 — New teacher contract for Darla Smothers‑Morant (motion by Dana Daniels, second Josh Asmus): Approved unanimously. • 25/26‑96 — Overnight FFA field trip to Michigan State University, March 3–6, 2026 (motion by David Fish, second Marcella Taylor): Approved unanimously; minutes note administrative approval was requested prior to the trip dates. • 25/26‑97 — Annual food service contract renewal with Chartwells (motion by Paulette Johnson, second Josh Asmus): Approved unanimously. • 25/26‑98 through 25/26‑101 — First readings of Policies 4210, 0100, 2370.01 and 1410 (motions by Josh Asmus and others): Recorded as first readings and passed unanimously.
Why it matters The board’s adoption of a multi‑year elementary literacy program represents a multi‑hundred‑thousand‑dollar curriculum commitment and sets instructional materials and implementation expectations for the next several years. The use of a Section 35m grant to cover a significant portion of the cost reduces immediate district budget pressure but leaves a district share that the board must plan for.
What’s next The CKLA adoption is recorded as a seven‑year commitment; implementation details, professional development and curriculum rollout will be carried out by district staff. The board set its next regular meeting location for April 13, 2026 at Ballard Elementary.
