Board members raised concerns about perceived imbalance in library displays and curriculum materials, with one speaker saying they had seen a prominent display affirming LGBTQ topics without an explicit counterpoint. Administration described existing review processes and options for parents.

A board member said she had researched library holdings and was “surprised at how good a lot of it is,” then explained she had searched for both sides of topics such as climate change and creation/evolution and found a mix of resources in the school libraries. The staff presenter said the division’s library handbook asks librarians to audit holdings and conduct a thorough review every three years; annual audits are also required. Audit criteria include relevance, circulation, feedback from students and staff, and alignment with board policy.

Administration noted the division has a library checkout notification system that alerts parents by default — parents may opt out if they do not want notices. Staff reported very few formal challenges in recent years; most review work has removed only a small number of books and most removals were from teacher classroom collections rather than school libraries. The division also said parents are notified 30 days in advance about some curricular materials and may request alternative instruction for their child where the law provides that option.

Board members asked if the division was missing balancing content on topics such as transgender issues, evolution/creation, and climate. Administration said they had examined lists and found a “plethora of information” and that a number of relevant titles exist to represent multiple viewpoints. Staff also said the district does not control public libraries’ holdings and that public-library material standards differ from school libraries.

No formal action was taken. Board members asked administration and librarians to continue routine audits and to consider additional materials where gaps are identified.