Central Valley School Board in Spokane Valley sent a message to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association following intense debate, calling for urgent federal intervention to enforce a ban on trans athletes in girls’ sports, in line with Trump administration directives and contrary to state policies.

On February 21, 2024, the Central Valley School Board held a special meeting during which it formally opposed SB 5462—a bill set to mandate the inclusion of queer history literature in school curriculums. This decision undermines efforts to create a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable educational environment for marginalized communities.

On February 20, 2024, the Central Valley School District Board expressed its opposition to a bill that would prevent local school boards from banning books and to a policy mandating LGBTQ+ education. This stance suggests a preference for retaining the power to restrict certain materials and curricula, which could limit inclusive educational practices and free expression.

The Central Valley School Board approved two levy resolutions—a $137 million educational programs and operations levy and a $47.5 million capital levy—to be sent to the ballot in February. This decision aims to address funding shortfalls caused by reduced state support and rising operational costs, ensuring continued investment in educational services and facility improvements.

In the recent election, two long-serving progressive board members lost while a conservative slate secured a 3-2 majority on the Central Valley School Board. Despite one progressive incumbent retaining her seat with a narrow win, the overall outcome marks a shift towards more conservative policies, including opposition to mask mandates and efforts to overturn comprehensive sex education mandates.

The article highlights that during the pandemic, the Central Valley School Board chose to stop taking live public comments during virtual board meetings. This decision, noted as a factor in alienating parents and community members, has raised concerns about the board's commitment to transparency and democratic engagement.

On March 14, 2023, amid a public school board meeting, nearly 30 students protested after the Central Valley School Board announced that up to 90 teachers could face layoffs due to a shift from temporary COVID-19 relief funding to pre-pandemic staffing levels. The protest underscored concerns about the undermining of teacher job security and the potential loss of vital educational programs.

Central Valley School Board notified roughly 90 teachers that their contracts might not be renewed for the 2023-2024 school year due to budget constraints following the end of COVID-19 federal assistance, raising concerns among educators and unions about job security.

A recall petition filed in 2021 against the Central Valley School District board, led by a county GOP figure, was dismissed as legally and factually insufficient. The board spent over $200,000 defending itself against politically motivated charges while maintaining transparency in budget and policy communications, underscoring its commitment to state mandates and rule-based governance.