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Board approves new course catalog additions including introduction to ethnic studies; public raises concerns about materials
Summary
Trustees approved middle- and high‑school course additions — including an introduction to ethnic studies for incoming freshmen — while members of the public urged careful review of proposed materials and addressed academic framing; staff said curriculum materials will be presented for public review before final adoption.
The San Ramon Valley Unified School District board on Jan. 14 approved several new course proposals for the 2025–26 catalog, including new visual‑and‑performing‑arts sections, CTE‑aligned middle‑school courses, an astronomy elective, expanded peer‑advocate courses and an "Introduction to Ethnic Studies" to be taught to incoming freshmen beginning in 2025–26.
Executive director of curriculum and instruction Debbie Petes told trustees that most of the new courses will not add recurring cost beyond the usual staffing model; many VAPA costs will be supported by Prop. 28 funds. Petes said the district would post course descriptions in the catalog and bring complete curriculum materials to the board and public for review during March and April so the community can examine instructional materials before final curricular adoption.
Public commenters raised concerns about the framing and materials proposed for the ethnic‑studies course. One commenter listed texts and described a preference for what they called a "constructive" model of ethnic studies rather than a critical or "liberated" approach. Board members and staff said those are substantive issues that will be addressed as the curriculum materials are developed and presented; Petes said the curriculum approval process includes a public display period and explicit community review.
Trustees voted to add the courses to the district catalog and directed staff to continue public outreach as curricular materials are drafted. Staff reiterated that the next step is a March preview of course materials followed by an April board action for curriculum approval.
