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District staff recommend new K–12 science materials; initial purchase to be covered by bond interest
Summary
District staff presented a recommended K–12 science adoption—elementary pilots favored Discovery Science (Oregon TechBook), middle school chose Style (Curriculum Associates) and high school selections are a mix of McGraw Hill and Savvas; initial materials and lab kits are expected to cost around $130,000 and are earmarked from bond interest funds, with purchases planned for July 1.
District staff presented the results of a multi-level science curriculum adoption process at the May 12 meeting, recommending materials that staff said prioritize phenomenon-driven, hands-on instruction.
The presentation summarized pilot teams across grade bands: 24 elementary teachers from across buildings, a middle-school pilot and a high-school pilot that reviewed subject-specific materials. Staff reported the elementary pilot mostly selected Discovery Science (referred to as Oregon TechBook), which will be implemented as a digital-first resource; the vendor provided a free year of digital access for the rollout. Middle schools favored a product called "Style" (from Curriculum Associates), and high-school teachers recommended a mix of McGraw Hill and Savvas titles for different subjects.
Cost and funding: Staff said initial one-time costs for materials, lab kits and digital access across the district will cover a seven-year materials cycle and estimated the high-school portion at roughly $130,000 (presenter called the overall number preliminary). The presenter explicitly stated that the initial purchases have been earmarked from bond interest funds and that any additional or ongoing costs would be planned into future general fund budgets; the presenter described the bond-interest allocation as a protected, one-time source.
Training and safety: Teachers who piloted the materials have received vendor training and will train colleagues; a PD day is set for early December for K–5 and August training for secondary staff. Board members asked about lab safety (chemical disposal, eyewash stations); staff said recent facility work and planned expenditures address many of those concerns and that staffing supports for labs will be part of implementation planning.
Next steps: Staff asked the board to discuss the adoption and anticipate ordering materials on July 1 so materials can be barcoded and ready for the start of the school year; staff said final quotes for some high-school subjects were still pending.
