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Board hears curriculum report; parents raise book‑reconsideration and curriculum concerns
Summary
The curriculum committee reported no change to state standards and presented an annual renewal of Everyday Math ($97,160). Multiple public commenters urged review of books and curricula, citing Policy 5407 and asking the district to enable librarian‑level informal review.
Holly Ward told the board the curriculum committee had no recommended changes after the Michigan Department of Education made no standard revisions; staff recommended annual renewal of the Everyday Math workbooks at a total cost of $97,160. Ward noted the administration had received public comment about the recently adopted first‑aid curriculum and had circulated a clarifying email in response.
Public commenters used the forum to press the board on Policy 5407 and on specific reading materials. Vincent Monahan said he initiated a reconsideration request for the book Refugee by Alan Gratz in February 2025 and argued the policy prevents many community members from initiating formal review; he asked librarians to be encouraged to conduct informal reviews. “This book is Refugee by Alan Bratz,” Monahan said during his comments and then read a violent passage as the basis for his concern. Other commenters urged the board to increase transparency and public engagement around curricular choices.
