Board renews $550,000 contract for social studies supplemental resources amid community concerns

The Mesa Public Schools Governing Board voted unanimously April 23 to renew a contract worth $550,000 for social studies supplemental software and resources for grades 6–12, after public comment and extended board discussion about vendor content and the district adoption process.

During public comment, Ed Steel, a self-identified community member and participant on the community curriculum advisory panel (CCAP), criticized several vendors slated in the renewal — including ABC-CLIO, the DBQ Project and Everfi — and urged the board to allow more granular selection so that teachers and the community can omit problematic elements while keeping useful resources. Steel quoted an ABC-CLIO guidance phrase he objected to: "I like the magic rule of three," which he said suggested a weak approach to verifying sources.

Board members discussed the distinction between supplemental resources and the district's adopted curriculum. Staff explained that the district conducted a formal adoption process in 2022–23, using rubrics, steering and evaluation committees and a 60-day public review; teachers returned recommendations and the district combined resources into pacing guides and instructional design. Staff said teachers do not necessarily use every element on a vendor’s website and that CCAP and content specialists work with teachers to align materials to Arizona state standards.

Board members asked for more transparency about pacing guides and the specific parts of vendors’ products actually used in classrooms. Despite concerns raised, the board approved the contract renewal 5–0.

Board members and staff indicated they would continue reviewing materials and welcomed additional CCAP engagement and follow-up reporting to clarify what elements are used in instruction.