The D49 Board of Education convened on September 24, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding the Social Studies curriculum across the district's high schools. Superintendent Brian Smith led the presentation, highlighting the work of the Social Studies Task Force, which aimed to align course offerings and ensure a cohesive educational experience for students.

The task force, composed of department chairs from Falcon, Sand Creek, Vista, and Patriot High Schools, focused on the alignment of key social studies courses, particularly U.S. History and American Government/Civics. Smith emphasized the importance of these subjects in preparing students for informed citizenship, noting that U.S. History is recommended for the junior year and American Government/Civics for the senior year. This structure aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of American history and governance, essential for their roles as active citizens.

The task force's findings revealed that while all high schools offered these critical courses, they were scheduled differently, which could pose challenges for students transferring between schools. The proposed alignment seeks to standardize these offerings, ensuring that all students receive consistent and thorough instruction regardless of their school. Additionally, the task force has developed statements of intent for both U.S. History and American Government/Civics, detailing the key documents and units to be covered.

A notable point of discussion was the inclusion of Personal Financial Literacy (PFL) as a graduation requirement, which has recently been mandated by the state of Colorado. While Sand Creek High School has maintained this requirement, other schools in the district are expected to incorporate it into their curricula, either as standalone courses or embedded within existing classes.

Board members expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the task force, acknowledging the dedication of teachers in enhancing the educational framework. However, some members raised concerns about ensuring that all schools are adequately aligned and that the curriculum reflects a comprehensive understanding of foundational American principles.

The meeting concluded with a call for further input from board members regarding primary source documentation and additional resources to be included in the curriculum. The board is expected to review these suggestions and finalize the alignment of the social studies curriculum in upcoming meetings, reinforcing the district's commitment to providing a robust education that prepares students for active participation in democracy.