The community's concerns over school district mental health programs, curriculum content, and school board policies were a few of the wide range of topics addressed at the Sweetwater County School District No. 2 Board meeting on October 8.
The evening began with Melissa Crowell raising the issue of the rising suicide rates among teenagers, citing a study that indicated a 29% increase in suicides among 10 to 17-year-olds following the release of the Netflix series "13 Reasons Why." Crowell connected this alarming statistic to what she described as the "unintended consequences" of the school district's shift toward social-emotional learning (SEL) programs.
Crowell criticized the SEL approach, arguing that there is insufficient high-quality evidence to support its effectiveness in schools. She referenced a 2018 study from the Pioneer Institute that questioned the validity of SEL in K-12 education, stating that the methods to measure students' values, personality, and mindset are unreliable. According to Crowell, this focus on mental health distracts schools from their primary mission - education. She stressed that the increasing emphasis on mental health has led to a lack of accountability in both education and mental health systems, ultimately failing to serve the students.
The discussion around curriculum concerns continued as Kellie Sprecher and Chad Stewart shared their unease about some of the content being taught in the district's English courses. Sprecher pointed to specific stories that contained violent and inappropriate themes, questioning their suitability for junior high students. Stewart, who identified himself as a foster parent, highlighted the high number of foster children in the area and explained that such material could be especially harmful to students who have already experienced trauma. He detailed one story in the curriculum in which a pregnant woman murders her husband and the police eat the evidence, a narrative he argued was inappropriate for young readers.
Stewart's concerns were echoed by other parents in attendance, who demanded a review of the selection process for curriculum materials.
Board members encouraged Sprecher and Stewart to continue working with the school administration to address their concerns, suggesting that providing specific documentation of the issues would be helpful in evaluating the content. While some board members defended the current curriculum review process, emphasizing that the materials were chosen following legislative guidelines, the parents' concerns were taken seriously, and further investigation into the matter was promised.
In addition to the debate over SEL and the English curriculum, other pressing matters were brought forward during the meeting. Marlene Brady raised concerns about the introduction of 16 new school board policies, questioning the timing of these changes given the upcoming school board election. Brady argued that the new policies, introduced just as a new slate of board members is poised to join, would be more appropriately reviewed by those incoming members, ensuring they have a role in shaping the district's governance moving forward. Her remarks sparked a discussion about the transparency and timing of the policy changes, with some board members defending the need for an updated policy audit and urging the board to follow legislative guidelines in reviewing and updating procedures.
While concerns about policy and curriculum dominated much of the evening, there were also positive moments of recognition and celebration. The board praised the efforts of the JAE Foundation, a local mental health awareness organization, for their contributions to the community. Several students and community members shared personal stories about how the foundation had made a significant impact on their understanding of mental health and wellness. One student spoke emotionally about finding a body in the high school bathroom and how the foundation's presentations helped her process the trauma she experienced. Another student expressed her gratitude for the foundation, describing the positive changes she has seen in both herself and her peers since becoming involved in their programs.
Local business owners also praised the JAE Foundation, highlighting the community's collaborative efforts in supporting the initiative. The board agreed to explore ways in which the district could assist or further support the foundation's work, acknowledging the importance of mental health education, especially given the growing concerns surrounding adolescent well-being.
New staff members were also welcomed during the meeting, with several schools in the district introducing their newest teachers. Other schools also took a moment to recognize the achievements of their students. Grace Gomez, a standout tennis player and All-Conference athlete, was celebrated for her recent achievements, and the board commended her dedication and hard work.
Before the meeting concluded, the board addressed several action items. One item, related to a freshman mentoring program, sparked significant interest as board members presented statistics showing improvements in student engagement, attendance, and academic performance. The program, designed to support freshmen as they transition into high school, was credited with reducing truancy and improving students' sense of belonging. As part of the Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Committee's efforts, the mentoring program was presented as a key strategy for increasing graduation rates, ensuring that students feel supported both academically and emotionally during their critical first year of high school.
Overall, the SCSD No. 2 Board meeting discussed the district's ongoing efforts to balance educational responsibilities with the growing need to address mental health concerns. While tensions ran high over the controversial topics of curriculum content and SEL programs, the meeting underscored the community's commitment to the well-being and success of its students. Moving forward, the district plans to investigate the concerns raised regarding the English curriculum, follow up with the JAE Foundation to offer additional support, and continue reviewing school board policies with transparency.
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