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Board approves three‑year DBQ contract after debate; public raises concerns over religious instruction law, mold and support for low‑performing schools
Summary
After a presentation on the DBQ (document‑based questions) social studies resource, the board approved a three‑year contract (expected savings ~15% and free resources for specific schools). Public commenters urged protection of instructional time given a new state law on religious instruction, called for bond transparency, and reported mold and safety problems at Williston.
The board voted 5–0 to approve a three‑year contract for the DBQ (Document Based Questions) secondary social studies resource following a presentation by the district’s director of curriculum and instruction.
Dr. Lo DeWalt described DBQ as an inquiry‑focused curriculum resource that uses curated primary sources, supports critical thinking and writing, and provides teacher supports including Spanish translation and read‑aloud features. The district piloted DBQ in several schools and moved to a full implementation year for secondary schools; staff said moving to a three‑year contract would save roughly 15% and the vendor agreed to provide free resources for Lake Forest and JC Rowe Academy.
Board members asked about costs and teacher engagement. One trustee cited a cost analysis showing that, measured per active student, the vendor cost is about $6.83 per student (contrasted with a higher per‑assignment calculation), and asked how to increase teacher and student participation. Curriculum staff said teachers retain autonomy to balance online sessions and paper‑based DBQ work and that a summer team will refine supporting documents.
Public comment earlier in the evening focused on related and separate concerns. Jessica Bickler warned that a recent state budget provision requires school boards to adopt policies releasing students up to four hours a week for outside religious instruction and urged the board to craft a strong local policy protecting instructional time and DPI curriculum requirements. A former principal recounted years of unresolved mold and facility problems at Williston, citing respiratory illnesses and calling the conditions a systemic failure that violates board policy. Other commenters pressed the board to invest in teacher assistants, defend high‑quality curriculum, and commit to transparency for an upcoming capital bond.
After discussion the board approved a motion to fund DBQ for three years. Trustees framed the decision as supporting literacy and critical thinking in alignment with state standards while retaining teacher control over classroom implementation.
