The Edgar P. Harney Spirit of Excellence Elementary School board of directors met Monday night to discuss the upcoming school year and the costs of implementing the Common Core State Standards Initiatives.

Melissa Forcier, the school’s chief academic officer, told the board that over the last two years the board has spent a total of $70,641 to purchase new math books and test-preparation books for their students.

Board member Ashton Ryan Jr. asked Forcier to hold a board orientation on the new state testing standards so that they will be able to understand the changes facing their students and teachers. At that time the board plans to look into any additional spending they may need to do to adopt Common Core and to report a dollar figure for the change.

The board also voted to approve the academic calendar for the upcoming school year. The first day for students will be Aug. 7.