TVUSD Rejects Social Studies Textbook for a Second Time

The Temecula Valley Unified school board is determined to kill "Social Studies Alive!" — the K-5 curriculum that has ignited a war between the district and the state.

On Tuesday, trustees voted 3-2 to reject the state-approved textbook a second time, despite threats from Gov. Gavin Newsom, Atty. General Rob Bonta, and State Supt. Tony Thurmond.

“Tonight is another example of the division being caused by this board,” said board member Allison Barclay, who voted in favor of the textbook. “It’s really unfortunate. I have been open to working together. It isn’t happening. Logic doesn’t work. Compromise doesn’t work.”

Less than 24 hours later, Newsom made good on a prior promise to purchase the textbooks himself, EdSource reports. They will be delivered to TVUSD students. 

The district will be billed $1.6 million for the materials along with a $1.5 million fine, the governor said. 

It’s not clear how Newsom will actually impose the penalty.