ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) – A staffer at Katherine Albiani Middle School was put on leave as the district investigates an incident in which racially insensitive material, including what was described as “N-word bucks,” were allegedly used during a "failed intervention lesson."

The staffer, who has not been named, was placed on leave after allegedly the material titled “History of the N-Word,” that included the racial slur, as well as a racist character of an Black man. The sheet included a warning stating that “some of the content in this writing may be offensive to children.”

The "intervention lesson" was handed out in late February for Black History month.

According to an email from the District, the "incident in question was a failed intervention for students." 

The intervention lesson was linked to a  non-affiliated EGUSD website that included an article that attempted to trace the origins of the 'n-word.' The article also containted a racially offensive graphic.

The Elk Grove Unified School District confirmed the investigation in a statement and said it “does not condone the use of such materials,” as they “do not represent nor reflect the district’ s core values.”

“Upon completion of the investigation, the district will take appropriate corrective and restorative action,” according to the statement.

The middle school sent a letter to families Monday informing them of the “inappropriate material” and its allegedly racial insensitive content. The letter, signed by Principal Chris Rauschenfels, reiterated that the school did not condone the racially material.

“Restorative steps are being coordinated by the district, through its Departments of family and Community Engagement, Educational Equity, and Education Services and Schools to ensure a safe positive learning environment for the entire school,” the letter read.

Several concerned parents spoke during the district’s most recent board meeting, calling for more accountability from the administrators regarding the incident.

“While I recognize that the matter is under investigation, I must say unequivocally that the letter referred to as racially offensive in its letter is a matter of fact, racist to its core,” Jessica Carter said. “My fear is that the adults who are responsible for this material will skirt responsibility, and we will not see the change that is needed at our schools.” Incidents like this demand immediate and decisive action.”

Antonio Ferraro, who said he has a student at Albiani Middle School currently, questioned the educational value of the lesson.

“The images, the stereotypes, covering the bill were just crazy,” Ferraro said. “Just look at it, it brings people to tears.”

Board President Michael Vargas ensured the parents that the district staff will follow up on the incident.

 “To all of the members of the public who spoke here today thank you for the feedback,” Vargas said. “We appreciate it and we take these matters very very seriously.”

CORRECTION: According to EGUSD, the material was used by a staffer, not a teacher, and the staffer was placed on leave. The material was from a non-EGUSD website that included an article that attempted to trace the origins of the "n-word."