CHENEY — Issues and concerns relating to critical race theory – including questions on curriculum — were discussed at the Cheney School Board meeting on July 14. The increased interest in cultural education has emerged in the wake of new legislation passed by the state, “concerning professional learning, equity, cultural competency, and dismantling institutional racism in the public school system,” as stated in the final bill report for ESSB 5044.

Cheney Public School Superintendent Robert Roettger reiterated that the legislation is aimed at training educators and does not include...