Board approves multiple curriculum, assessment, technology and facilities contracts; several operational purchases cleared

The Newton County Board of Education approved a series of routine and procurement items covering instructional materials, assessment platforms, technology renewals and facility purchases.

Key approvals included:

- Instructional and curriculum purchases: HMH Education Company ELA curriculum (total cost listed as $2,719,670.97), HMH science materials, BFW publishers for AP English resources, Really Great Reading for K–5, and Imagine Learning licensing for online academic supports.

- Assessment and data tools: Progress Learning supplementary assessment platform, School Data Solutions (data warehouse), K12 assessment writing support and continued use/expansion of i‑Ready as a universal screener (costs as presented in agenda items).

- Renewals and instructional platforms: Annual renewals for ClassLink (single sign‑on), Nearpod (collaborative instruction) and ParentSquare (messaging) were approved.

- Technology and capital: The board authorized a move to a cloud‑based Cisco phone system (procured via state and cooperative contracts; funding from FY26 capital funds) and approved a Motorola Solutions bid for a bi‑directional amplifier for Newton High School to improve on‑site radio coverage (costs as presented).

- Facilities and services: Contracts and agreements approved included a commercial lease with Top Leasing LLC, a custodial services contract with Thornton Brothers Inc., award of the annual natural gas contract to Next Era Energy Services and multiple smaller facility use and surplus dispositions.

Board members asked presenters about evidence base, ROI and implementation timelines for curriculum and assessment purchases; staff said several tools had been piloted in select schools and that decisions align with the district's instructional priorities. Each procurement motion was moved and seconded on the record and approved as presented; where board members requested additional data they were told staff would supply metrics on implementation and outcomes as available.

What was not approved: The separate agenda item proposing a redesign to the supplemental retirement plan (Resolution 2026‑2) failed initial approval and was tabled to June 16 (see separate coverage).

The meeting record shows approvals for items C–M (see agenda item numbers in transcript). Contract documents and funding sources were noted by staff for each item.