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Public raises questions about $8.5M grant and curriculum vendor bias
Summary
A public commenter urged the board to scrutinize an $8.5 million transfer to Jewish Family & Children's Services for Holocaust and genocide education, alleging the program omits mention of Palestinians and flagging possible conflicts of interest tied to donors. The commenter requested more transparency and public access to materials.
During public comment, a speaker identified as Eva raised concerns about an $8,500,000 transfer routed through the county office to Jewish Family & Children’s Services (JFCS) for Holocaust and genocide education. The commenter said the program “willfully omitted any mention of Palestinian people” and raised questions about donor links to board candidates and conflicts of interest.
"I am concerned about the $8,500,000 that has is in process being transferred from the California Department of Education through this particular office and on to the Jewish Family and Children's Services," the commenter said, adding that independent educators reviewed materials the commenter received and expressed surprise at the content. The speaker urged the board to increase transparency, publish recordings and expand Zoom participation so the public can review materials and hold officials accountable.
Board members did not take action during the meeting but acknowledged the comment and said the record would note public concerns. The issue may require follow-up with staff and a review of grant procurement and curriculum materials outside this meeting.
