After public comment, Bellbrook-Sugarcreek adopts AP Psychology and AP Biology textbooks

The Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Local Board of Education voted May 9 to adopt two new high-school textbooks for AP courses: Psychology (Pearson, AP Psychology, 6th edition, 2021) and Biology in Focus (Pearson, AP Biology, 4th edition, 2024).

Curriculum staff described the textbook review process, noting the AP audit requirements and that selected materials were made available to the public for review. During the open-comment period, parent and college-trained biologist Rachel Mansfield said she reviewed Biology in Focus in prior teaching and urged trustees to adopt the AP biology text, saying the book "presents the current consensus views in biology in a way that's accessible to students." Dr. Meredith Breininger, a practicing psychologist who reviewed the AP Psychology book, noted factual issues and odd framing in a small number of health-related passages (she cited an incorrect listing of diarrhea versus constipation in the anorexia discussion), but said those concerns did not lead her to recommend voting it down and encouraged in-class discussion of contested areas.

Board members asked questions about whether the current books were out of date and whether the new editions addressed previously raised concerns. Administration said the biology text is a new edition and that changes removed previously troubling passages. The motion to adopt the AP Psychology book was moved and approved by roll call, followed by the motion to adopt the AP Biology text, which also passed by roll call with members present voting yes.

Trustees and presenters emphasized the district's reliance on teacher expertise and the board's textbook responsibilities under Ohio law; administrators said the public-review process and the curriculum team's recommendations guided the decisions.