Residents press board to remove book 'Flamer'; district outlines reconsideration process

At the start of public testimony the board heard impassioned appeals to remove the book Flamer from school libraries.

Gail McBride, who said she found the title at North Pole Middle School and Barnett Magnet, described passages and illustrations she called sexually explicit and urged the board to "change the school policy" so such materials are not available to students. McBride read excerpts and described imagery that she said was inappropriate for children.

Dennis Gardella supported McBride's concerns and characterized the material as pornographic; he urged adults to set limits for children and to use district procedures to restrict access.

In his superintendent report, Dr. Meinert reviewed the district’s existing parental rights and the materials‑reconsideration process. He said parents may contact a school’s certified librarian or library media associate to request restrictions on their child’s access by title, author or subject, and that the district’s administrative regulation 92‑14 outlines an informal and formal reconsideration/appeal process. He also reminded parents that they can log in to their student’s Destiny library account to see available titles and, if they verify identity, view their child’s library record.

"Families may directly contact the certified school librarian or library media associate at their school to request restrictions on their students' access to specific materials or services," Dr. Meinert said, and he noted that a formal reconsideration process is available if informal discussion does not resolve concerns.

Board members did not take immediate action; they heard public comments and were told the existing AR and policy provide a path for parents to request material restrictions. The district said it will continue to describe the reconsideration steps publicly and to make parental catalog access available.