News Brief by FāVS Staff
UPDATE: On Wednesday the West Valley School District voted against renewing Matthew Mastronardi’s contract
The West Valley School District board will decide Wednesday whether to uphold Superintendent Kyle Rydell’s recommendation not to renew Spanish teacher Matthew Mastronardi’s contract after he read aloud a racial slur from “To Kill a Mockingbird” in his classroom. The incident occurred April 17 when Mastronardi overheard his Spanish students discussing how their English teachers skip over the N-word when reading Harper Lee’s novel, which is part of the freshman curriculum. When a student asked if he would read the word, Mastronardi read a passage containing the slur, unaware he was being recorded.
Slur Caught On Video
The 8-second video circulated online, drawing attention from the Spokane NAACP chapter and prompting parent concerns. Following disciplinary proceedings, the district issued Mastronardi a nonrenewal notice May 7, citing “concerns from parents, poor judgment and concerns about your ability to serve as a good role model for students.” As a third-year provisional employee, Mastronardi can be dismissed under Washington state law without cause during his first three years.
Mastronardi maintains he was respecting “authorial intent” and using the moment to teach about historical context. He said he wanted students to “confront history” rather than “erase it as some sort of cosmetic guilt.” The teacher organized a June 19 rally in his defense and has stated he doesn’t regret his actions.
District officials counter that English teachers at the school have consistently handled the novel by skipping the slur or referring to it as “the N-word” for 15 years. Rydell said that discussions of sensitive material should remain in English classrooms where teachers are trained to provide proper context and safeguards. Jaime Stacey, vice president of the Spokane NAACP chapter, called Mastronardi’s actions insensitive and lacking in “cultural humility,” saying the incident caused harm to Black students.
Community response has been divided. A student-launched petition supporting Mastronardi’s reinstatement has gathered over 2,000 signatures, with students describing him as a popular educator who provided mentorship beyond academics. His brother, also a Spanish teacher at the school, resigned in protest. The East Washington Freedom Alliance has organized support for Wednesday’s board meeting, framing the issue as one of free speech and educational freedom.
The school board will meet at 7 a.m. Wednesday at the district conference center, 8818 E. Grace Ave., Spokane Valley. The “Provisional Employee Nonrenewal” is listed as an agenda item with five minutes allocated for discussion. The board’s decision Wednesday will be final regarding Mastronardi’s employment with the district.
Thanks for this reporting, Tracy. I side with the Spanish teacher and the students on this. We have to be frank about our past language in order to face the past. I wonder what evidence the NAACP offered that Black students were upset.
It will be interesting to see what happens tomorrow
I’m not a professional, but this reeks of entrapment. Sad that this could have been a rich opportunity to discuss human failings and human growth successes — which obviously still needs some work.