Public commenters press board for written library guidelines after recent book concerns; staff agrees to present proposed guidelines

During public comment, community members raised concerns about library materials and the process for making titles available in school media centers. The callers asked the board to place library-selection standards and access rules on a future agenda so the board and community can review them.

Why it matters: speakers said the district lacks a clear, written policy or standard for how books are evaluated and placed in school media centers. One public commenter, Jason Robillard, asked that the issue be placed on the agenda so the board can "discuss this and really put that into a framework" and set written standards for access. Another commenter representing a local prevention coalition said bilingual handouts and outreach are being prepared to support prevention efforts and family engagement.

Board response and next steps: district staff and board members agreed to prepare a presentation of guidelines and to involve library clerks, principals and relevant staff in the discussion. A board member suggested a staff presentation that explains what the district has done so far and the rationale used when librarians select or quarantine materials. The board directed staff to consult with library clerks and principals and to return to the board with proposed guidelines at a future meeting; no formal policy vote was taken.

Details from public comment: one speaker described reading the book Speak and said they did not find it "particularly offensive" but asked for clarity on how media-center holdings are reviewed and whether any quarantine or restricted-access procedures apply. Staff noted existing procedures for quarantining materials and said they will present formal guidelines to the board for discussion.