School boards are akin to the managers of a school district's educational roadmap. While they do have the power to decide what students learn, there are specific rules and laws that guide their decision, they can't just do whatever they want.
Simply put, school boards have a big responsibility to make sure students get a free and appropriate education that follows state guidelines. School Boards recommend curriculum based on educators' review of materials, decide what classes will be offered, and make sure the curriculum meets educational standards. However, they must be mindful in their choices and can't discriminate against students or push any particular religious or political viewpoint.
The law gives quite a bit of freedom to school boards, but with that comes accountability. Randomly changing what kids learn is not acceptable and every curriculum decision needs to make sense and be fair. If the board is perceived to be making unfair choices, they can be challenged for those decisions in court.
If someone has concerns about the district curriculum the best way to get them addressed is to have an initial conversation with the classroom teacher. If necessary the principal and/or District Curriculum Director can be brought in for further discussion. We encourage everyone to review Policy IGA - Curriculum Development and Adoption which lays out expectations around curriculum as well as establishes a district level Curriculum Committee that meets four times a year and is open to the public.
With a variety of interests at play, school boards need to follow state laws, respect students' rights, and make sure the curriculum is educational and appropriate. Much like walking a tightrope – school boards need to be thorough, fair, and always thinking about students best interest first. Most importantly, school boards are responsible for creating a learning environment that helps students grow, learn, and prepare for their future.
It’s not just about picking books or making rules – they're shaping the educational experience for entire communities and future generations.
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