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Board adopts McGraw‑Hill Grade 11 US history text after debate; approves Branchville PTA author‑visit gift
Summary
After public comment and an unsuccessful motion to table, the Ridgefield board adopted a McGraw‑Hill Grade 11 US history textbook and unanimously accepted a $3,250 PTA gift to fund a Branchville Elementary author visit.
The Ridgefield Board of Education voted April 13 to adopt McGraw‑Hill’s US History: Modern Times for Grade 11 after debate about content and a failed effort to table the agenda item. The motion to adopt, moved by Miss Moore and seconded by Mr. Paradisa, carried as announced in the meeting (vote announced as seven in favor, two opposed, one abstention).
Earlier in the meeting a board member had moved to table the textbook item until every member could review the text. The chair ruled that a brief reason had been stated during the motion to amend; members disagreed about how much substance may be discussed while a motion to amend is pending. That motion did not carry and the board later voted to adopt the text. Board members who supported adoption praised the resource’s critical‑thinking questions and said teachers will supplement the material; members who opposed or abstained raised concerns about specific language and potential bias, asking for careful teacher framing and supplemental instruction.
The board also unanimously accepted a $3,250 gift from the Branchville Elementary PTA to fund an author visit by Sarah Weeks for K–5 students. The gift was presented, discussed briefly, and approved with appreciation for PTA support.
Both actions were taken in open session; the board recorded votes and thanked administrators and the PTA. Members noted that further policy reviews and first reads will come in future meetings.
