Carmel Unified presents draft ethnic studies course as state funding and timeline remain unsettled

Carmel Unified School District staff presented an informational update on a proposed semester-long ethnic studies course for high school juniors, noting the course is being developed now even though the state appropriation that would fund implementation remains unresolved.

The district's curriculum, instruction and assessment coordinator, Andrew Rodriguez, told the Board of Education the course has four draft units — "Who Am I: Ethnic Studies and Individual Identity"; "Where Are My Origins: Movement and Community History"; "Why Do I Matter: Historical Perspectives and Systems of Power"; and a still-developing Unit 4 focused on civic engagement and a capstone — and that the committee has prioritized a standalone semester course model so every student can access it. Rodriguez said the draft leans on local-history resources and model curricula from other California districts, and that teachers, counselors, special education and English learner staff have reviewed materials to keep lessons accessible.

Rodriguez said Assembly Bill 101, signed in October 2021, sets a requirement that the class be a graduation requirement for the class of 2030 and that districts must offer a qualifying course by the 2025–26 school year. He added that a phrase in the law — "upon appropriation" — has created uncertainty because the governor's January budget update did not include funding. Carmel Unified staff said they are proceeding with curriculum development while monitoring Sacramento because the Legislature could appropriate funds or amend implementation timing before the budget is finalized in May or June.

Board members praised the committee's work, asked for more community-facing language for Unit 4 (civic engagement) and pressed staff on schedule and staffing implications if the state does not extend timelines. Trustee Rita Patel and others asked whether Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) funding could pay for elements of the course if the state does not appropriate funds; Superintendent Sharon Ofek said district and Sacramento-based partners are advising districts to plan as if funding will be provided and that the Legislative Analyst Office appears likely to include resources in the final budget, though nothing is guaranteed.

Public commenters raised both support and concerns. A community member identified as Phil said the draft focuses heavily on injustice and should include more "success stories" and "accountability"; another commenter said the draft overemphasizes negative narratives and includes material they described as outside of ethnic studies. Board members and staff said those and other public comments will be considered in continuing revisions.

Rodriguez said the district plans a community engagement night for public review and feedback; he also said the district has identified few commercially published textbooks that meet needs and is pursuing additional vendor materials and local resources. He emphasized the course design is intended to be flexible and teacher-driven while aligned to the state's expectation for an ethnic studies course.

The item was informational only; the board did not take formal action on the course at the meeting. Staff said a finalized draft will return for board review and that adoption, scheduling and any rollout will depend on final legal and funding guidance from the state.