A controversial textbook will remain in Frederick County Public School classrooms for the time being. The Board of Education has upheld a decision by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Theresa Alban not to commit to replacing "Social Studies Alive: Our Community And Beyond."

Some parents complained that the book was too progressive, and promoted socialist ideals. It's used in 3rd grade social studies classes.

The school system first approved the book in 2004, and it's due for  an eight-year review. Following parent complaints, a reconsideration committee was formed, which recommended to the Board that book be fast-tracked for replacement immediately.

Dr. Alban balked at replacing the book before it was time.  In an online video, she noted that the state is working on changing the social studies curriculum, and its decision will affect every student and every teacher. She said it would not be a good idea to replace "Social Studies Alive" before the state completes its work. "Does it make strategic sense to invest in a new curriculum before state standards have been finalized and shared," she asked. "Should we declare now that our budget in 2015 will allow us to replace our books? Or does it make sense to carefully plan future budgets, and think through all the factors that could impact our fiscal outlook."

Dr. Alban say the Board of Ed adhered to the process by listening to all sides before taking a vote. "The process works. It's clear. It's transparent and it's fair," she said.

"It would certainly be easier, and sometimes less controversial, to make decisions for the sake of expediency, to look no further than satisfying the needs of the moment," she says in the online video. "But that's not  what an objective leader does, and that's not how we work at FCPS."