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Subcommittee backs $13,100 grant for Duggan civics and history curriculum
Summary
The Budget & Finance Subcommittee voted to recommend the school committee approve $13,100 from the Good Nation Foundation Democratic Knowledge Project Launch Grant to fund a civics-oriented history curriculum at Duggan, with staff clarifying family access and cohort details.
At a Springfield Public Schools Budget & Finance Subcommittee meeting in Putnam, members voted to recommend the school committee approve a $13,100 expenditure from the Good Nation Foundation Democratic Knowledge Project Launch Grant to support a civics-focused history curriculum at Duggan Elementary School.
Superintendent Dr. Dennal said the grant will fund “investigating history curriculum” and praised “the hard work of Principal Calvin as well as those on his team that made this grant happen.” She said students at Duggan will engage in “meaningful civic oriented task[s]” and projects that include perspectives beyond traditional historical narratives.
The grant materials shown to the subcommittee described the curriculum as “comprehensive and culturally responsive,” Dr. Dennal said. Subcommittee member Miss Gresham asked whether the cohort expectation reference to “FERPA” meant parents could review student work. A staff member answered that the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act governs student records and that families may view curriculum through a protocol; the presenter also said “the curriculum is also online” and “vetted through the state.”
The presenters clarified two related points: the grant language initially referenced fifth through seventh graders in program descriptions, but the subcommittee was told the active cohort for grant supports will be sixth and seventh graders, while curriculum materials will be available online for broader access. The grant includes a $500 cohort membership fee the presenters said is part of the launch process and is expected to be refunded; the overall award was described as roughly $13,000 distributed over three years.
A motion “to approve the expenditures of $13,100 from the Foundation Democratic Knowledge Project Launch Grant” was made and seconded. In the roll call the clerk reported Miss Hurst absent, Miss Gresham voting yes and Miss Bruno Naylor voting yes; the item was recorded as passed.
The subcommittee did not change grant conditions in that vote; presenters said curricular materials are publicly accessible and that family access follows FERPA protocols. The matter will go the school committee for final approval.
