Board reviews renewals and curriculum adoptions including Edmentum, Inspire Science and multiple tech contracts; votes set for next meeting

The Hickman Mills C-1 Board on Monday reviewed a slate of contract renewals, program renewals and curriculum recommendations that the administration will bring back for formal approval at the board’s next meeting.

Katie Row presented academic items including a one‑year renewal recommendation for Edmentum courseware (the district’s credit‑recovery and online coursework platform) at $90,525, and a committee recommendation to adopt Inspire Science (McGraw Hill) as the high‑school science curriculum for 2026–27; the latter was chosen for its print materials, online access, multilingual supports and built‑in assessments.

Row also presented a renewal for Transform and Thrive, the district’s in‑school mental‑health and therapy services, at a reduced cost aligned with previously announced budget reductions. Administration said the Transform and Thrive renewal would be paid from Title IV funds and services would be prioritized for schools with the highest current usage; parental permission is required for student participation.

Technology and operations renewals were presented in bulk. The administration recommended a three‑year renewal of Frontline HR platforms (recruiting, onboarding, time and attendance, evaluations) and said multiyear pricing would save roughly $72,693 versus annual renewals. Other ratifications and renewals scheduled for board action next meeting include:

• Securely (student-device safety, web filtering and device monitoring) renewal and a $2,580 add‑on for AI‑assisted safety monitoring; administrators described the add‑on as AI plus human review to flag threats (self‑harm, violence, cyberbullying) and alert counselors.

• FMX facility‑management renewal (~$26,863.59).

• FordEdge cybersecurity support (~$31,684.24).

• Level Data integration services (~$17,972).

• Kid Guard student accident insurance renewal (same cost as the prior year, $23,356.50) and a continuing‑disclosure engagement with Thompson Coburn for bond reporting (initial three‑year cost $4,500; optional extension to five years $7,500).

Several community partnerships and no‑cost agreements were also presented for ratification: Soul For Souls (clothing/shoe support), foster-grandparent reconciliation services, Urban Community Connections (school closets supplying essentials), First Call behavioral‑health mentors, and Character Strong SEL curriculum (paid from a restorative-practices grant). The administration noted the middle‑school Discovery Education pilot will be ratified at no cost for one year after teacher feedback.

Superintendent Dr. Carpenter and board members emphasized that this meeting served as the work session to explain recommended items in detail; the formal votes will be held at the next regular meeting. Board members asked procedural questions and requested tours or follow-up information for particular programs (for example, a site visit to Hearnden Career Center).