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Lake Dallas ISD board establishes school library advisory council under new law
Summary
Trustees approved updates to EFB(Local) and a resolution to form a school library advisory council (SLAC) in compliance with Senate Bill 13; trustees will appoint parent-majority membership by July 28.
The Lake Dallas Independent School District Board on July 21 approved revisions to policy EFB(Local) and passed a resolution to establish a local school library advisory council as required by Senate Bill 13 from the 80th Texas Legislature.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kelly O'Sullivan told the board the district's current selection practices largely align with the new law but that the policy update formalizes procedures and parental involvement. "Parents are the primary decision makers for their child's access to library materials," O'Sullivan said, and the policy requires public access to library catalogs and provides a procedure for parents to submit opt-out lists or recommend alternate materials.
The resolution establishes the School Library Advisory Council (SLAC) with appointments made by trustees. The council must have a minimum of five voting members, a majority of whom must be parents of enrolled students who are not district employees; one parent will serve as chair. Nonvoting members can include teachers, librarians, counselors, administrators, business leaders or clergy. The council will meet at least twice yearly, post an agenda 72 hours in advance and submit minutes within 10 days of meetings.
O'Sullivan said trustees are asked to return appointments to the superintendent by Monday, July 28 so the council can be seated and begin developing material recommendations for the board.
Trustee Appleby moved to approve the policy update and resolution; Trustee Collier seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Why it matters: SB13 requires greater structure around library-materials review and parental involvement; the SLAC gives parents a formal, board-appointed role in recommending library acquisitions and reviewing donations before the board acts.
Ending: With the resolution approved, the board will appoint members and the district librarians will support the council as it prepares recommendations for the board to consider.
