Kimball board approves $125,000 Amplify (CKLA) reading curriculum for K–8

The Kimball Public Schools board voted to adopt the Amplify CKLA K–8 reading curriculum and associated materials and professional development in a move staff said aligns the district with current science‑of‑reading research.

Curriculum staff presented the review process, saying the chosen option supports standards alignment, foundational literacy skills, assessment integration and robust writing instruction. Staff noted that CKLA integrates assessment tools (the district already uses the related DIBELS/Amplify progress monitoring) and that the recommended package includes in‑person professional development sessions to support fidelity of implementation.

Administrators emphasized the district will retain parts of its existing phonics program that staff consider stronger, while CKLA would enhance comprehension, knowledge‑building and cross‑curricular connections through sixth grade and provide a middle‑school edition for grades six through eight. The proposal includes consumables and online access for a six‑year term; shipping and PD costs were highlighted as part of the upfront investment.

Board members asked about update cycles for the vendor and were told K–5 materials were recently updated and that future updates are expected but not likely to require disruptive shifts to classroom practice; staff said districts adopting now would be grandfathered into minor updates.

The board approved the quote (motion to approve the Amplify/CKLA quote for $125,000 carried 5–0). The superintendent and curriculum department will schedule vendor PD and begin ordering materials for spring delivery if logistics and shipping permit.