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Board tables science curriculum adoption for grades 4–8 pending broader review
Summary
The Snohomish School District board voted to table a proposed science curriculum for grades 4–8 and asked the superintendent and staff to expand the search and clarify adoption procedures before returning with recommendations.
The Snohomish School District Board of Directors voted May 14 to table a proposed science curriculum adoption for grades 4 through 8 and asked the superintendent and staff to conduct a broader review of available materials before bringing a revised recommendation back to the board.
Board member 4, speaking to the board, said the district was given only two curriculum choices by the educational service district and urged a wider search of options. “I would like to request that we table the adoption for grades 4 through 8 at this time. Let us set a wider net to ensure that we've explored all viable curriculum options,” the board member said.
The motion to table was made by Board member 4 and seconded by Board member 5. After discussion, the chair called the question; the board voted in favor and the motion carried.
Board members who spoke during the discussion emphasized the importance of vetting materials and of clarifying the district’s curriculum adoption procedures so expectations for comparison, research and transparency are explicit. One board member asked what the district would gain by delaying the adoption; Board member 4 replied that the delay would allow the curriculum team to “really vet” more options and to ensure the chosen materials support student learning and local instructional goals.
Board members discussed timing: one board member said the delay would likely push the adoption to approximately one year from now. Another expressed concern for teachers awaiting new materials but said the priority was to ensure the district selected the best option.
Discussion-only items noted in the record included whether the concern was about the publisher or the curriculum content and whether existing review procedures had limited the choices brought to the board. The formal board action was the vote to table; there was no adoption, amendment or further policy action taken at the meeting.
The board directed staff to work with the superintendent to review and, if needed, revise the district’s curriculum adoption procedures and to return with a recommended timeline and comparative materials for the board to consider.
The action means the curriculum will not be adopted at this meeting; staff and the superintendent will report back with additional options and procedural recommendations before a final decision is made.
