Elk Grove Middle School Teacher Under Investigation for "N-word Bucks" Lesson

Elk Grove Middle School Teacher Under Investigation for "N-word Bucks" Lesson.

ELK GROVE, CA – An investigation is underway after a middle school teacher in Elk Grove used controversial materials featuring "N-word bucks" as part of a history lesson. The materials, which included offensive imagery and racist language, were distributed to students at Katherine Albiani Middle School.

Controversial Materials Shared with Students

Images obtained by CBS13 show a page titled "History of the N-word," which included a dollar bill-like graphic featuring offensive stereotypes and phrases. The page also carried a warning: “Some of the content in this writing may be offensive to children.”

Parents and community members have expressed outrage after discovering the materials, which have been condemned by the Elk Grove Unified School District (EGUSD). In a statement to CBS13, the district said the materials “do not represent nor reflect the District's core values.”

District Responds, Investigation Ongoing

At a school board meeting on Tuesday evening, more than a dozen speakers voiced concerns about the lesson. Many expressed disbelief and anger, with some questioning how such materials could be used in an educational context.

One parent described the content as “crazy,” while another said, “There’s no possible way this can be framed as an educational endeavor.” District leaders did not discuss the ongoing investigation during the meeting but assured the public that it was being addressed.

A letter was sent to families on March 3, describing the materials as “inappropriate” and “containing racially offensive content.” However, some parents felt the district’s description was too vague.

“My first reaction is this can’t be real life,” said Lorreen Pryor, with the Black Youth Leadership Project (BYLP). “We’re really handing out this lesson to teach the use of the n-word? It makes no sense.”

Support and Resources for Affected Students

The district has promised to provide support to the students, families, and staff impacted by this incident. However, EGUSD did not confirm whether the teacher involved is currently on leave, and the teacher’s identity has not been released.

Pryor, whose work with the Black Youth Leadership Project includes the student-run podcast Black vs. the Board of Education, discussed the incident on Monday's episode.

What’s Next for Elk Grove Unified School District?

As the investigation continues, questions remain about the educational context of the materials and how they were approved for use in the classroom. The district’s response, including possible disciplinary action for the teacher involved, is still unclear.

The community is waiting for more clarity on what steps EGUSD will take to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. In the meantime, parents and educators are calling for greater sensitivity and care when addressing complex and historically charged topics like racism in the classroom.

Key Takeaways:

• Investigation Underway: Elk Grove Unified School District is investigating a teacher who used offensive "N-word bucks" materials in a lesson.
• Community Outrage: Parents and community members have expressed shock and anger at the racially offensive content.
• EGUSD Response: The district has condemned the materials and promised support for impacted students and families.
• Teacher's Identity: The teacher’s identity has not been released, and it is unclear if they are on leave during the investigation.