Ohio County Board adopts related‑arts instructional resources, approves single‑year digital licenses

The Ohio County Board of Education voted unanimously May 11 to adopt a package of related‑arts instructional resources that district staff recommended for the 2026–27 school year and for implementation through the state’s adoption cycle.

Superintendent Dr. Miller and district presenters said the adoption covers music, art, physical education, wellness and high‑school personal finance, and noted that digital licenses are now treated differently by the state: vendors often sell one‑year digital licenses rather than six‑year contracts. Presenter (Speaker 11) told trustees that the district’s instructional‑resource committee evaluated options against state nonnegotiable criteria and that the committee met with multiple vendors and classroom teachers before making recommendations.

Teachers who helped vet materials told the board why the selections were recommended. Kaylee Philbin, an elementary and middle‑school music teacher, said Quaver Music has been used in Ohio County classrooms and that the program can be supplemented with printed materials so lessons work even if internet access is unavailable. "Quaver ultimately covers all of the standards that we need and more," Philbin said. Audrey Abraham, department chair for high‑school PE, health and driver’s education, said an updated online platform would make sequential instruction more consistent for students who move between schools or into support settings.

Board members pressed for clarity on pricing and licensing options. District staff listed vendor estimates presented to the board: elementary music (Quaver) quoted at $14,700; a one‑year, small‑license option for elementary PE and health at $12,600; and a high‑school health package (described in updated materials) at about $12,005.21 for classroom and teacher licenses plus physical copies. Staff explained that the one‑year digital license is more expensive in a single year but allows flexibility if the district wants to change vendors in subsequent years; state rules limit multi‑year contracting for some digital licenses.

Following questions and discussion, the board accepted Superintendent Miller’s recommendation and voted to adopt the instructional resources as presented. Staff said teacher training will be provided in August to prepare classroom teachers for fall implementation. The board did not identify any amendments to the recommendation during the vote.

Next steps: staff will finalize purchase orders and coordinate vendor training in August so materials and teacher supports are in place before the 2026–27 school year.