School board debates public update on removed book, schedules curriculum committee review

The New Hanover County Board of Education debated whether to provide a public update on a book that was removed from a classroom, with some trustees calling for immediate transparency and others urging the matter be handled through the district—s curriculum process.

Board member Judy Justice asked for an update on "what's going on with the alternative to the book stamped that was taking out of that class," saying the public deserved clarity after more than a year of delay. "The whole idea is transparency in communication, which is always a challenge," Justice said.

Why it matters: the exchange highlighted tension between members who want a public accounting of curriculum decisions and members who prefer that curriculum staff and the curriculum committee complete a review before the matter is discussed again in full board session. That difference shaped several motions and votes at the agenda-review meeting, and the board ultimately agreed the curriculum committee will address the item and that an informational update will be included on the next regular…