YUHSD book choice under fire

Concerned resident also claims U.S. history text problematic

Yuma Union High School District board members got a tongue lashing during the call to the public at Wednesday night’s meeting from a resident concerned about instructional materials.

“The statutes are very clear ‘the board shall approve all textbooks, materials, etc.,’” Phil Clark reminded the board of one of its statutory duties. “How can you approve it if you can’t see it?”

Clark has spent nearly three years trying to gain access to instructional classroom materials. He was informed by former Superintendent Toni Badone last October that access was a hardship for the district, and that most of the material was online and unaccessible to the public, not even board members.

That fall, Clark hired an attorney. He now has an account, and has been reviewing instructional materials.

“A resident of the district should not have to engage legal help to have access to instructional material, to the tune of $5,000, in case you want to reimburse me,” he said Wednesday evening at the Yuma High School library.

Clark said that as he has been reviewing materials, he is “offended” at what is being taught.

“There are some things being taught to our young folks, our young people of the district, in U.S. History that simply are not true,” the former teacher said. “I’m not simply giving you my opinion, I’m saying its not true, based on black and white documentation.”

Clark did not give the board specifics on problematic passages in U.S. History texts, as he was over his speaking time limit. He did read two passages from “The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd that contained themes of teenage rebellion, expletives, and a scene of public urination, during which the narrator reflects on humanity’s commonalities, all of which Clark said he found trou-

bling.

“I don’t think you folks are aware that this goes on in the classroom,” he said after reading the passages. “This is material that is mandatory in the (English Literature) classroom.”

“If you folks are going to approve the instructional material, please avail your responsibility as per the statutes. You need to reevaluate and reassess.”

By law, board members are not allowed to respond during the call to the public.

Board members also heard from Jessica McKegh, a member of GLSEN Yuma, an organization that advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students. McKegh sought to inform the board that training for teachers and guidance counselors is available through the organization. The group is also conducting a survey in Yuma County to find out what services are needed for LGBTQ students.

Board member David Lara addressed the body as a private citizen, reiterating the need for the board to get involved with cross-border drug smuggling prevention efforts he is trying to organize in South County. He also requested a future agenda item on the difference between the Advanced Placement Cambridge biology course and the course called “Animal Kingdom,” offered at Yuma High.

The board also heard an update on its bond funds from Chief Financial Officer Dianne Cordery. The district spent about $751,324.53 during the first year of the bond (2015-2016); during 2016-2017, the board expended $7,251,921.29; and so far this fiscal year has spent $19,841,888.15.

The remaining amount is already planned out, Cordery said, for other bond projects the district has planned.

The board also approved raising the cost of adult meals lunch to $3.75, breakfast $2.50, and $1.25 for snack effective Oct. 5.