Board adopts new K–10 social studies resources and approves 11–12 supplements after debate over content
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Summary
After a months‑long vetting process, the board approved Studies Weekly for K–5, HMH for grades 6–10 and limited 11–12 supplemental materials. Trustees debated content concerns for one 11–12 text and affirmed opt‑out and limited‑purchase protections.
The Stevens Point Area Public School District board voted to adopt updated social studies resources after presentations from a large vetting team and curriculum staff.
Darla Penosky (elementary curriculum coordinator) and Jackie Mabon (secondary curriculum coordinator) described a months‑long review that included 27 staff members, vendor demonstrations, classroom review and rubric‑based scoring. Elementary staff selected Studies Weekly (grades K–5) and secondary staff selected HMH (grades 6–10). The combined procurement represents multi‑year (six‑year) contracts with built‑in professional development. School staff described features they valued, including Wisconsin history embedded in grades 3–5, online materials that sync with Schoology, writable online student feedback for secondary students, immersive virtual field trips, and built‑in professional development for teachers.
Costs presented to the board totaled $5,585,000 across all levels under six‑year agreements; staff said that amount is below the budgeted line item for curriculum adoption. Board members asked about alignment with state standards (including recent requirements such as Act 31 on indigenous studies) and whether the new resources would support forward‑facing summative testing. Staff said both vendor choices align to Wisconsin state standards and that professional development and classroom integration should support student readiness for state assessments.
A Board member (speaker 7) raised a content concern about a specific 11–12 supplemental text used for a dual‑credit diversity course, quoting passages they said were disparaging toward Christians. Curriculum staff and other trustees replied that the board was approving only a small number of copies (five for certain 11–12 materials) and that the materials were optional; students may opt out of elective courses and the district provides alternative options. The board split the adoption into two motions: K–10 resources passed by voice vote; the 11–12 supplemental purchases were approved after a roll‑call vote in which two trustees voted no. The chair announced the motions carried.
What the vote does and does not do: The K–10 adoption establishes recommended, district‑wide resources with scheduled professional development; the 11–12 approval authorizes limited supplementary purchases and curriculum development time, not a wholesale mandatory rollout. Parents retain opt‑out options where state or district policy allows.