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Board tables $441,000 science curriculum approval pending full review
Summary
The Normandy Schools Collaborative board voted to table approval of a proposed K–12 science curriculum package, after directors asked for a product preview and potential payment plan for the package Spray estimated at about $441,000.
At its meeting, the Normandy Schools Collaborative board voted to table a proposed science curriculum adoption after directors said they needed time to review the materials and financing options.
Jason Spray, the district’s data, assessment and professional development coordinator, told the board the recommended K–8 Experience Science program and high‑school renewals would be a multi‑year purchase. "There is a total cost of 441,000," Spray said, listing K–5 at $251,000, grades 6–8 at $128,000 and additional high‑school digital renewals and workbooks that together, he said, drove the total.
Board members raised concerns about approving a large upfront expenditure without seeing the instructional materials. Director Pearson said a payment plan would be acceptable and moved to "table the approval of the science curriculum adoption until the full board has a review of the product," a motion Secretary Taylor seconded. After a roll‑call vote, the motion carried and the board postponed final action.
Why it matters: The package would be a multi‑year commitment intended to align classroom materials with Missouri learning standards and to provide teacher professional development. Directors said they want a hands‑on preview so the full board can confirm the materials’ approach to inquiry, bilingual supports and the classroom activities Spray described.
What happened in the meeting: Spray said the adoption process included teacher previews, scoring guides and presentations from top vendors; the science committee recommended Experience Science (Savvas) for K–8 and renewals for high‑school physics, chemistry and Miller & Levine biology. Spray described bilingual vocabulary supports and one‑year digital platform access included in the kits.
Board next steps: The item was tabled for full‑board review and a materials preview. Spray told directors he would explore payment‑plan options and make the materials available for review before the board takes a final vote.
Attributions: Quotes and attributions in this story come from the meeting transcript and are attributed to the speakers listed by the board: Jason Spray (presenter), Director Pearson (mover), Secretary Taylor (second).
