Pleasant Valley leaders propose switch to Aadian and Lelo after vendor shortfalls; refunds and training planned

School leaders from Pleasant Valley Elementary presented a proposal to stop using a recently purchased phonics/intervention component that they say "did not deliver" the promised reports and parent‑friendly data and to adopt Aadian (screener) and Lelo (intervention) instead.

"We have secured a refund. We purchased it for three years. We have secured a refund for the next two years," the elementary principal said, describing long vendor calls and empty promises. Teachers who piloted alternatives reported stronger usability, better family reports and higher student engagement with the proposed replacements.

District staff estimated the vendor refund at about $42,000. One‑year licensing for Acadians (the screener) was estimated at $11,830 and a three‑year license for Lelo at roughly $59,142; staff said grant funds would be used to cover the transition costs. The board asked for written refund documentation and legal review of the vendor contract; legal staff will be involved to ensure the district captures all possible remedies.

Administrators asked the board to place an approval item on the next voting agenda to permit vendor training before the fall term so teachers can become familiar with the tools over the summer. Board members pressed for more detail on pilots, budget comparisons, and whether alternate products might present the same issues; administrators said they would return with data and a final recommendation.

The board did not vote that night; staff said the item will appear on the next board agenda with written refund confirmation and cost comparisons.