Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD staff told trustees Oct. 2 they will continue monthly purchases of library books under procedures intended to comply with recently enacted state legislation on school library materials.

At the meeting, district instructional staff said the monthly purchase lists are selected by certified librarians, vetted against two or more professional review sources, posted on the district’s library services website at least 30 days before board consideration, and subject to a visual review by library processing staff before books go on student shelves.

Why it matters: the board reviews and approves purchases that shape library collections and student access to materials. The district said the procedures were updated in response to recent state legislation that requires additional posting and parental input mechanisms.

What staff told the board
Dr. Robin Stout said the purchase lists were posted Sept. 2 (31 days before the meeting) and that the next list will be posted in time for the November board meeting. She told trustees that titles are selected by certified librarians “after consulting two or more peer‑reviewed sources” and that Cindy Nedevitz, director of library services, reviews lists before purchase. Stout said the district ordered about 18,000 titles last year and plans monthly lists through the end of the school year.

Public comment and parent request
During audience for guests, stakeholder Cindy Hilton addressed item 5f (the list of new books). Hilton referenced the recent state legislation championed in the transcript by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and signed by the governor, described the law as increasing parental access and control over school catalogs, and urged formation of a local school library advisory council; she offered to volunteer.

Board action
The purchase list (item 5f) was on the consent agenda for Oct. 2. The board approved the consent agenda in a single vote (motion by Marjorie Barnes, second by Randy Schackman); the clerk recorded the vote as 6 in favor, 0 opposed. Because the purchase list was in the consent packet and no trustee removed it for separate discussion, it was approved as presented.

Context and next steps
Staff said the district provides a link on the library services website for parents and community members to submit questions; the district reported no questions had been submitted for the Sept. 2 posting. Trustees did not remove the item from consent; staff indicated monthly postings and continued librarian review through the school year.

Ending
Parents who want more involvement were advised to use the district’s online feedback link and to inquire about a local school library advisory council; the board did not take separate action on formation of such a council during the meeting.