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Board approves $468,553 world‑language textbook package amid member objections
Summary
The Walled Lake board approved a $468,553 purchase of new world‑language textbooks for middle and high schools in a 4‑2 vote. Two trustees said they opposed the purchase because of broader concerns about curriculum review and content vetting.
The Walled Lake Consolidated Schools Board of Education on March 6 approved a district purchase of world‑language textbooks totaling $468,553.05 from the general fund after a divided vote.
The administration presented a recommendation for new world‑language materials — covering Spanish, French and German — drawn from Wayside Publishing’s 2024 editions. “As presented to the board last month, we have a textbook recommendation for world language,” the administration said during the meeting packet presentation.
Trustee Mrs. Levin said she would vote no because she wants changes to the district’s curriculum review process after recent controversies. “I’m gonna be voting no on this, curriculum and every curriculum going forward until there's a change made in how we review curriculum,” Levin said, citing earlier concerns with a math adoption and publisher content.
Trustee Mrs. West also said she could not support the package, expressing concerns about instruction and content that she considers at odds with her views on gender. Other trustees said they had reviewed sample materials and supported the adoption.
The motion to approve the purchase was moved by Mr. Smith and seconded by Mrs. Crafton. The board approved the purchase 4‑2. The resolution authorizes spending $468,553.05 from the general fund to purchase the Wayside Publishing 2024 editions for Spanish and French and intercultural materials for German.
Why it matters: Textbook adoptions are multi‑year purchases and affect classroom instruction districtwide. Trustee objections were framed not around the language instruction itself but around the district’s curriculum review process and publisher vetting.
What’s next: Materials will be purchased and distributed for middle‑ and high‑school language classes; trustees indicated an intent to revisit curriculum‑review procedures in future discussions.
