Latest news with #SchoolDistrict
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Some SUSD parents concerned over curriculum; district responds to claims
The Brief The Scottsdale Unified School District is defending itself against claims that it's providing a "one-sided" curriculum. Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne held a news conference on June 11, saying he would report the district to the federal government for adopting a "DEI-oriented textbook." SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Arizona's top school official is threatening to report Scottsdale to the federal government, claiming the district has adopted a "DEI-oriented textbook" and curriculum. What they're saying All the speakers at a June 11 press conference, and state superintendent Tom Horne, admitted that they did not read the textbooks they were critiquing in their entirety, just excerpts. Still, they call the text "indoctrination" – something the district vehemently denies. "I will report to the federal government that the Scottsdale school district has violated the statement that they signed that they would not teach DEI," Horne said. He's talking about a social studies curriculum. "A very one-sided, propagandist statement without giving again, different points of view," Horne claimed. Speakers pointed to several issues they felt textbook publisher Savvas presented unfairly or in a biased manner, including the pandemic, climate change and policing. "At a time when law enforcement agencies are expanding their focus and training on things like community outreach and de-escalation of conflicts, it is counterproductive for schools to push a politically misguided agenda that would make students suspicious and fearful," said Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan. SUSD parent, Karen Martinson, who says she has a child who is a junior in high school, also shared concerns about how religion is discussed in a separate textbook with a separate publisher. "When I read this, I was actually in shock. 'But the historical accuracy of the stories in the bible is questionable.' This is under the heading of the origins of Judaism," she said about a section in the textbook. The other side Several parents were in support of the curriculum at a May 13 meeting. "Is it messy? Yes. Is it uncomfortable? Yes. You may not like the fact that George Floyd is brought up, but Derek Chauvin is spending time for murder. If you have a problem with that, and think it's anti-police, I don't know what to tell you," a parent said. Another parent said, "Our students deserve a quality curriculum that includes the rich, essential facts and the reality of our true history and avoids future embarrassment of our children when they find out that they are uneducated." SUSD, Savvas respond SUSD released a statement, defending itself against the claims. "We reject the baseless accusations made during today's press conference by State Superintendent Tom Horne. His claims of indoctrination and a so-called 'leftist curriculum being imposed' on students are simply untrue and unsupported by fact. Curriculum decisions in SUSD are made through a transparent, collaborative, and non-partisan process, guided by a curriculum adoption committee and aligned with Arizona state standards, standards for which Mr. Horne and the State Board are ultimately responsible. Our duly elected, non-partisan Governing Board, approved the social studies curriculum following months of review and community input. To single out SUSD while other districts, including Peoria Unified and charter schools like Legacy and American Leadership Academy adopted the same curriculum materials is disingenuous and politically motivated. SUSD remains committed to providing world-class, future-focused education. Our mission is to cultivate critical thinking, not to promote any ideology. This type of inflammatory rhetoric distracts from the real issues facing Arizona schools, most notably, the need to raise student achievement in math, science, reading, and writing. That is where our focus lies heading into the 2025-26 school year." SUSD also says other districts like Peoria and charter schools, like Legacy and ALA, also use the same curriculum. Savvas released a statement, saying, in full, "We uphold the strictest editorial standards and take pride in developing the highest-quality K-12 instructional materials so that all students have access to rigorous, research-based, standards-aligned curriculum. The development process for all of our instructional materials, including our social studies programs, is rigorously designed to include the input of authors who are experts in their discipline, external content-area experts, academics, teacher reviewers, and third-party fact-checkers to ensure accuracy. Great care is taken to ensure that all of our social studies programs present balanced, unbiased, accurate, and fact-based content. We are proud of our social studies curriculum and fully stand by our high-quality instructional materials that challenge, engage, and inspire students to learn."
The Herald Scotland
12-06-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
ICE enforcement in LA triggers alarm among school communities
"We are a melting pot of beautiful, incredible people," Enriquez said to the crowd before wiping a tear from his eye. "This incredible community, all of these students, all of these parents, guardians, friends and family, it is because of you that these young people are here ready to go on to that next step - to that high school life, to represent each of us as an incredible member of society." Some families too afraid to attend the graduation out of fear of increased presence of immigration enforcement officials across the city didn't hear the principal's message. They and many other Angeleno immigrants who live in the sanctuary city are foregoing the chance to witness their young loved ones receive diplomas or advance to the next grade at upcoming school graduation ceremonies out of fear of getting deported. "I've spoken with parents who've told me that their daughter would be the first in their family to graduate high school and they're not going to be there to witness it, because they have a fear of the place of graduation being targeted," said Alberto Carvalho, superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, which covers the majority of the city and some surrounding areas of Los Angeles and serves more than a half of a million public school students, during a June 9 news conference. More than one-third of Angelenos are immigrants. ICE detained a Los Angeles fourth grader from Torrance Elementary School and his father in Texas on May 29. They are expected to be deported to Honduras. The young child's deportation has left a wound. "When something like this happens, it shakes all of us in the community," Torrance Elementary PTA volunteer Ria Villanueva told The Los Angeles Times. Homeland security agents attemped to enter two Los Angeles schools in early April, but they were denied entry. Arrests of young people by Immigration and Customs Enforcement are happening nationwide in other targeted American communities, such as Milford, Massachusetts, where an 11th grader's arrest and detention by ICE has heightened anxiety among the area's immigrants, and in New York City, where educations officials say ICE have recently arrested and detained two students. "President Trump is keeping his promise to deport illegal aliens and the law enforcement officers conducting operations do so efficiently and professionally," said Abigail Jackson, a White House spokesperson, in response to a question from USA TODAY about the Trump administration's enforcement on immigration at and around schools. "Individuals, like the violent rioters in LA, who try to obstruct or deter operations put law enforcement officers and law abiding citizens at risk." The Trump administration's increased immigration enforcement and related protests around LA Unified schools over the last several weeks have put parents, students and school officials on especially high alert. After law enforcement officers deployed flash-bang grenades against protesters near a Los Angeles Unified elementary school campus, the school community went into lockdown on June 6. The tensions have left the Los Angeles Unified School District, the second-largest district in the nation, at the center of the national battle on immigration deportations and family separations. Ahead of future graduation ceremonies in the district, Carvalho said he said he has directed Los Angeles Unified school police to stand at the front lines and "intervene and interfere with any federal agency who may want to take action during these joyous times that we call graduation." What's happening around Los Angeles Unified schools? The Los Angeles families' anxieties come after a series of Trump administration-led anti-immigrant actions in the city, making it a national battleground for President Donald Trump's long-promised crackdown on illegal immigration. President Donald Trump and his administration have deployed thousands of National Guard members to the nation's second-largest city since June 8. The National Guard entered Los Angeles after citizens who were angry about immigration raids in the city, including one at a Home Depot, launched largely peaceful demonstrations against the administration's enforcement of illegal immigration. How did the LA protests begin? A look at the immigration raids that sparked outrage Chaos and violence have since erupted across Los Angeles, resulting in the detainment of some immigrants, destruction of city property and fear and hiding among immigrant families and children of immigrants who attend school across the region. 'President Trump is keeping his promise' California Gov. Gavin Newsom has vehemently objected against the immigration raids and deployment of federal guards, even filing a lawsuit against Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth alleging they deployed "members of the California National Guard, without lawful authority, and in violation of the Constitution." "Instead of focusing on undocumented immigrants with serious criminal records and people with final deportation orders - a strategy both parties have long supported - this administration is pushing mass deportations - indiscriminately targeting hardworking, immigrant families regardless of their roots or risk, " Newsom, a Democrat, said in a video posted on Instagram. There's no sign that the immigration raids will end. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said on X on June 9 that they will deploy about 700 active duty U.S. Marines to Los Angeles "to restore order." Trump has also threatened to arrest Newsom for challenging the federal government. 700 Marines Heading to LA; Newsom calls move 'deranged fantasy' of Trump Federal immigration activity near school campuses threatens a 'fundamental right' A third-grade elementary school teacher in the district, who asked to remain anonymous because she is worried that her school and her students will be targeted by immigration enforcement officials if she is identified, said she has felt deep fear and constant anxiety in her students about them or their families being detained by ICE officials. She said many kids in her classroom whose parents are undocumented immigrants, some of whom are newcomers from Guatemala, are worried about being deported or separated from their families. Their fears have intensified since immigration raids have occurred close to the school. Attendance was unusually low and many school bus stops were eerily quiet during the last two days of school in her classroom on June 9 and 10, she said. "I try to pretend everything's normal when everything's falling apart outside of the school," she said. Her six-year-old son, who attends the same school where she teaches, found about about the immigration raids through friends and told her, "Mom, I'm glad you have papers so they can't take you." Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Carvlaho said in a statement on June 6 that he is "dismayed" by the recent immigration enforcement activity occurring near district schools. "These actions are causing unnecessary fear, confusion, and trauma for our students and families - many of whom are simply trying to get to and from school and work, and to live with dignity," Carvalho said. The presence of federal immigration activity near school campuses threatens prevents schools from being a "safe haven" where students "can learn, grow, and thrive without fear of being separated from their loved ones," he said. California State Superintendent of Education Tony Thurmond called Trump's military deployment and mass immigration raids "unnecessary," "a betrayal of our American values" and "an assault on all Californians" in a statement on June 9. Thurmond said about half of California kids have at least one immigrant parent. "Innocent children should never be in handcuffs, and families should never be torn apart by our government. Our children deserve to be protected and cared for, not terrified at school or ripped from their families," Thurmond said. "Let's be clear: When the President targets our immigrant families, he harms California's children." California State Superintendent: 'Deeply dangerous for our children' California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Thurmond have called on Trump to end the mass immigration raids and pull back National Guard troops from Los Angeles for the safety of Los Angeles families. "My message to President Trump is very clear: keep your hands off California's kids," Thurmond said on June 9. "The President's unchecked, unnecessary deployment of our nation's military to the city of Los Angeles is deeply dangerous for our children, for our families, and for our country." The officials' sentiments haven't calmed the widespread fear among many of the city's vast immigrant communities. Britt Vaughan, a spokesperson for Los Angeles Unified school district, said that parents and community members have been anxiously calleing into schools to report federal immigration activity in their communities. Enriquez, from Palms Middle School, told students and their families at the commencement ceremony to use the momentum of graduation as an opportunity to stand up to what he called "injustice" against their community. "Be empowered. Injustices exist in the world," he said. "Speak up. Stand up against any injustice anywhere." Contact Kayla Jimenez at kjimenez@ Follow her on X at @kaylajjimenez.
Business Wire
11-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Strategos International Partners with Park Hill School District to Launch School Protection Specialists at Elementary Schools
KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Strategos International is partnering with the Park Hill School District to implement School Protection Specialists (SPSs) at the elementary level beginning with the 2025–2026 school year. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to student-centered safety and complements the district's ongoing efforts to maintain a secure and welcoming learning environment. 'We are honored and excited to partner with Park Hill School District in providing Strategos School Protection Specialists for the 2025–26 school year,' said Vaughn Baker, President of Strategos International. Strategos will assign four specially trained SPSs to rotate across three elementary schools in the district, ensuring a visible and consistent presence each school day. These specialists will work alongside existing School Resource Officers (SROs) at the middle and high school levels, reinforcing district-wide protective coverage. 'We are honored and excited to partner with Park Hill School District in providing Strategos School Protection Specialists for the 2025–26 school year,' said Vaughn Baker, President of Strategos International. 'This expansion reflects the growing recognition of the value our SPS program brings to schools across the region. We are confident that Park Hill will have a meaningful impact on safety, security, and the overall school climate.' 'Our strategic goals in Park Hill School District include priorities around academics, culture, and systems,' said Dr. Jaime Dial, Assistant Superintendent. 'Our partnership with Strategos will help reinforce these goals through a student-centered approach, prioritizing safety and security for all. We look forward to this collaboration for our schools and community.' Beyond Security: Building Relationships Strategos SPSs are not traditional armed guards. Each specialist completes extensive, school-specific training in threat detection, de-escalation, and crisis response. SPSs are trained to build trust with students and staff, becoming integrated members of the school community. SPSs may also receive certification as School Resource Officers, enabling them to serve as both protectors and mentors—a dual role that distinguishes the SPS model and has proven effective in multiple districts. SPS Responsibilities Include: About Strategos International Founded in 2002, Strategos International is a global leader in school safety training, protective services, and security consulting. With more than 150,000 professionals trained, Strategos continues to provide mission-driven solutions rooted in integrity, service, and expertise.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Yahoo
‘It is appalling': Parents file lawsuit against PBL teacher, district, admin
PAXTON, Ill. (WCIA) — A lawsuit is peeling back the curtain of what parents said their children faced while at school and practice in Ford County. It includes accusations of grooming and sexually assaulting kids for more than a decade — and the families feel the Paxton-Buckley-Loda School District didn't do enough to stop it. WCIA previously reported about complaints around teacher and coach Robert Pacey. The suit calls him out… But doesn't stop there. Three people, including two parents, are suing the PBL school district and several administrators for what they said is a lack of action. PBL District 210 Superintendent announces resignation The suit said the PBL Junior High administration was made aware that Pacey needed to improve his interactions with students in 2009. That's when accusations of inappropriate touching and behavior started. A lawyer representing those who filed the suit said it only got worse from there. 'One of the main frustrations for people in the community is that there have been so many reports,' Chicago-based lawyer Bhavani Raveendran said. Reports stretch back 16 years. Raveendran filed the suit and said allegations about teacher and coach Robert Pacey only continued from there. The PBL School District got several more complaints about his behavior from students and several teachers as well. 'So many individuals reaching out and speaking out about prior reports that have been made, and they have been coming out of the woodwork on social media and in other sources,' Raveendran said. Special prosecutor investigating 2 Ford Co. teachers accused of inappropriate conduct with students But the suit said it didn't stop despite these red flags. It said two students who attended PBL Junior High both told principal Josh Didier that Pacey was extremely inappropriate with girls in class. The document said he touched students — looked up and down their skirts — and accidentally touched their breasts. 'It does not appear that a lot of action was taken to protect kids in the event that these were complaints that were being made based on incidents that did occur,' Raveendran said. The suit said another one of those happened in 2021 involving the plaintiff named Minor A. She said Pacey hit her on the head at a track meet and said if she didn't shut up he was going to tape her mouth shut. She said she experienced headaches days after. A couple months later she said she was at a practice Pacey was running. She said he told her she needed to change her shorts because they were not what she would race in. When she went into the locker room — she said Pacey followed her inside and made her change into tighter ones in front of him. GCMS school board votes to dismiss teacher after alleged inappropriate texts to student Between 2009 and 2021, the lawsuit said he was moved between positions — suspended — but never fired and an investigation with DCFS was never started. 'Multiple of my clients are students that do not want to see younger students put in a similar situation,' Raveendran said. They're asking for $50,000 plus legal costs for each of the 14 counts alleged. WCIA reached out to the PBL School District several times several times on Tuesday — and was told they didn't have anyone in to handle it. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Global News
11-06-2025
- Climate
- Global News
‘It's very sweaty': Trustees say New Westminster's sweltering portables need AC
With B.C. baking in an early-season heat wave, two New Westminster school trustees are calling for air conditioning in school portables. And with average temperatures expected to rise along with climate change, it's a situation they say will only grow more serious in the years to come. It's an issue that isn't theoretical for eight-year-old Frankie Kwong, whose classroom is one of the New Westminster School District's 53 portables. 2:04 B.C. government unveils more prefabricated classrooms When it's hot out, Kwong says it's hard to learn. Story continues below advertisement 'It's distracting and it's very sweaty and it makes my back itchy and my teacher added a fan but, we're not allowed to go close to it,' he told Global News. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy New Westminster's portables don't have air conditioning. The cost to install them has been estimated at $1.3 million, but the district says it could be much higher now, thanks to U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff and trade war. While some of the portables have AC units on their roofs, upgrading the local power grid to activate them would also be cost-prohibitive. 'There's more than 1,000 kids in portables each day in our district … It's too much it's too hot,' said New Westminster School Trustee Kathleen Carlsen. Carlsen is one of two district trustees asking the B.C. government for dedicated funding for cooling and ventilation systems in schools, with a priority on portables. 4:54 Surrey school overcrowding 'There needs to be more funding put towards this,' B.C. Teachers' Federation president Clint Johnston said. Story continues below advertisement 'It shouldn't be a question of can we afford to make the conditions in classrooms bearable for students to learn in.' 'As long as I've been active in this provincial advocacy space, there has been no forward progress on addressing overheating in portables,' Parent Advisory Council member Laura Kwong said. 'It's well overdue.' The B.C. Educaiton Ministry redirected questions to the Infrastructure Ministry. Minister Bowinn Ma was not available for an on-camera interview. 'Students and staff deserve to learn and work in safe, comfortable environments. That's why we have been working urgently to expand and upgrade seats across the province,' Ma said in a statement. 'Over the last seven years, the Province has invested almost $6 billion in schools to create over 80,000 student seats that are either completed or underway – all of which meet modern building standards.' The ministry added it had spent $150 million in the last three years to upgrade heating, ventilation and air-conditioning in B.C. schools, but noted districts are responsible for managing their own facilities and budgets beyond that. In the meantime, students like Kwong are left to get through the sweaty school day.
