July 22, 2021
Dear Community:

Just one week ago, the Francis Howell Board of Education approved two new elective courses – Black History and Black Literature – to be offered at the high school level. Since that time, Board members and District leaders have received numerous messages from parents and community members.

Supporters of the new elective courses believe they offer a necessary step toward cultural inclusion in our school communities - providing an opportunity for all students to see themselves represented in the curriculum and allowing students of all races to learn about the Black experience in America. Those opposed share their worry that the courses are the beginning of controversial Critical Race Theory (CRT) in the District, which some believe is designed to distort history, indoctrinate children and further racial division. (As a point of clarification, it was not, nor will it ever be, the intention of the Board, District leadership or curriculum writers to distort, divide or indoctrinate students.)

This debate has made its way to Facebook, Nextdoor and other social media groups, and attracted attention from the media and elected officials. The integrity of the District and its leadership has been called into question, and individuals on both sides of the issue have been the subject of personal attacks.

We are better than this. Our children deserve better than this.

Let’s show them we can model civic discourse in a way that seeks understanding before assumption. Let’s show them we can have conversations about subjects on which we disagree while treating others with respect. And let’s show them we can admit when we’re wrong and see it as a sign of strength rather than weakness.

Let us be the first to start.

We misjudged the care and concern in the community about these courses. While the District offered multiple public webinars and other opportunities to provide feedback during course development, we wish we would have promoted them better so that all members of the community felt they had a voice in the process.

That’s on us.

And when questions about the District’s relationship with Dr. LaGarrett King came about, we should have prioritized a community response that made clear that while we support the work and many of Dr. King’s contributions, we vehemently disagree with any suggestions that teachers or staff hide the work we’re doing from parents and taxpayers.

At the end of the day, we are all just trying to make decisions that we believe are in the best interests of students, and do so in a way that is transparent and accessible to all stakeholders.

Francis Howell has long been heralded as one of the best school districts in the state. Engaged families and community members are a big reason that’s the case, and we invite your continued dialogue and participation in matters of curriculum, student supports, diversity and equity work, and other issues of import.

The Board and District leaders are proud of the new elective courses and are exploring opportunities for interested parents and community members to experience the curriculum in action.

Other ways to stay engaged:

  • Attend Board meetings and sign up to speak during Patron Comments (open to FHSD staff members and residents; first come, first to speak).
  • Reach out to Board members and District leadership with questions, concerns or comments about issues.
  • Subscribe to the District Digest and follow the District on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay in-the-know.
  • Stay tuned for information on how to participate in District committees and strategic plan work.

Thank you for being part of this community.