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Board approves one‑year Simplify Writing pilot and $13,585 purchase
Summary
Scottsbluff Public Schools approved a districtwide one‑year pilot of the Simplify Writing curriculum for 2025–26 and a purchase of licenses totaling $13,585; K–12 content specialist JD Beam presented the program's features and supports.
The Scottsbluff Public Schools Board voted to approve the purchase of Simplify Writing licenses for the 2025–26 school year at a cost of $13,585. JD Beam, identified in the meeting as the district's K–12 content area specialist, described the program's scaffolded modules, embedded spelling and grammar supports, formative assessments, and the included professional development for teachers.
Beam said the pilot had been run in K–3 classrooms and with a 24‑teacher extended pilot from February through May, and that teachers "really liked it." Board discussion noted the program's embedded supports for special education and English‑learner students and the ability to use modules during planning time or short PD blocks. Merrigan moved to approve the purchase and Snyder seconded; roll-call votes recorded approval.
