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Board debates whether to ask administration to review 'Victims of Communism' materials; members disagree on board'administration roles
Summary
A board member proposed adopting classroom materials or lessons tied to a national 'Victims of Communism' memorial day; other board members said curriculum review and adoption is an administrative responsibility and asked administration and teachers to vet any materials before the board acts.
During the May 5 meeting a board member proposed a modest initiative to recognize Nov. 7 as a memorial day for victims of communism and to encourage use of accompanying curriculum materials in middle and high schools.
The proponent suggested keeping any classroom use small, optional and teacher-vetted: short videos of witnesses and brief lesson materials tied to age-appropriate instruction. "I think it's important to keep it small and simple ... primarily middle and high school with a little bit maybe for fourth and fifth grade," the board member said.
Several board members responded that curriculum review and adoption are administrative responsibilities and recommended that the board not create or prescribe curriculum. "I think we're stepping over the line from board to administrative in this matter," one board member said, noting the board's role is to review and approve curriculum brought forward by administration.
Other members disagreed, arguing the board has a policy role and could adopt a resolution or policy directing administration to examine the materials. Superintendent Dr. Nichols told the board that Virginia Standards of Learning for history and social science already address the origins and impacts of communism and that those topics are taught across relevant SOLs.
No action was taken; the proposal remained informational. Several members asked that administration and curriculum staff be involved if the matter moves forward so that any adoption follows existing curriculum-review procedures.
