Adam Bertrand’s time on the Francis Howell School Board has been marked by significant, often controversial, policy decisions that align with the conservative values of the Francis Howell Families PAC. Elected in 2022, Bertrand quickly positioned himself as a key figure in the board’s conservative majority, driving efforts to reshape the district’s educational policies.
One of Bertrand’s most notable actions was his role in the board’s decision to remove Black history and Black literature electives from the district’s curriculum in December 2023. Bertrand and his allies justified the removal by arguing that these courses were taught through a “social justice framework” associated with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Teaching Tolerance” curriculum. Bertrand expressed his opposition to this framework, stating, “With SPLC providing a blanket call out of all parents involved in education as part of their ‘hate map’, this framework specifically promoting activism, and the history of how this framework was adopted I chose to vote in favor of rescinding. While removal of this standard affects the Black History and Black Literature courses many on the board signaled to the District they would be supportive of bringing these courses back after removal of this controversial standard.“
However, this decision sparked widespread public outcry, leading the board to eventually reinstate the courses, though without the controversial “Social Justice Standards” that Bertrand opposed. This compromise allowed the courses to continue, but in a form more aligned with the board’s conservative agenda.
Adam Bertrand has recently authored and championed a policy aimed at limiting teachers and staff from making value judgments on sexual orientation and gender identity in the classroom. This policy, enacted at the 8/15/24 Board Meeting by the conservative majority, specifically seeks to restrict educators to discussing these topics in a strictly factual manner, devoid of personal opinions. Bertrand and his supporters argue that this measure is necessary to prevent what they perceive as ideological indoctrination in schools. However, this policy has sparked significant controversy, with critics expressing concern that it could suppress important discussions and contribute to an environment where LGBTQ+ students feel marginalized and unsupported.
Throughout his time on the board, Bertrand has consistently advocated for policies that emphasize traditional educational values, transparency, and what he describes as fiscal responsibility. He has been a vocal critic of what he perceives as progressive ideologies infiltrating the school system, aligning closely with the goals of the Francis Howell Families PAC, which endorsed his candidacy and has supported his efforts on the board.
Bertrand’s tenure has been both influential and divisive, reflecting the broader cultural and political battles playing out in school districts across the country. His leadership continues to shape the direction of the Francis Howell School District, particularly in areas related to curriculum content and the broader educational framework.