Highline board approves revised instructional materials policy after debate over community role

The Highline School District Board of Directors on Jan. 8 approved revisions to Board Policy 2020 on instructional materials and confirmed the superintendent's appointments to the district's Instructional Materials Committee (IMC) after an extended debate about community representation and the board's oversight role.

Supporters said the policy update clarifies the district's course‑of‑study review and adoption process; critics on the board said recent changes in state law and the draft procedures narrow the committee's membership and delegate too much selection authority to the superintendent. Director Hagos raised the idea of including community members beyond parents to broaden perspectives. "When we're using an equity lens, what better than letting the voice of the people speak to us?" Hagos said during the meeting. Staff…