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Superintendent and curriculum director outline Penfield policy, timeline for challenging library materials
Summary
At the Feb. 11 board meeting Superintendent (Doctor Potter) reviewed Board Policy 83-20 and Policy 83-30 describing how community members may object to instructional or library materials; Doctor Maloney described committee selection methods and review timelines.
Superintendent Doctor Potter and Doctor Maloney, who oversees curriculum and library services, explained the district’s policy and procedures for challenging instructional and library materials during the Feb. 11 Penfield Central School District Board of Education meeting.
Doctor Potter read sections of Board Policy 83-20 (selection and objectives for instructional materials) and Policy 83-30 (procedures for objections, reviews and appeals). He said that district community members with questions are encouraged to speak first with instructional staff or a school library media specialist, and that formal objections must be submitted in writing to the superintendent. Potter said, “Challenged instructional materials will remain in use and or circulation until a final decision has been made,” and that the superintendent will inform the board of any formal objections received. Potter said he had not yet received any written objections.
Doctor Maloney said his office would facilitate a review committee if a formal challenge is filed and described possible methods for selecting stakeholders for the committee. He described a recorded lottery approach (surveying interested parents, teachers or students and selecting members by recorded drawing) or, depending on the number of volunteers, including all respondents on a review committee. Maloney said the review committee typically includes a library media specialist, a building or district administrator, a certified teacher of the relevant subject and grade level, and may use BOCES staff as needed.
Both administrators explained the review timeline and appeals process contained in Policy 83‑30: the review committee is to investigate the challenged material, watch/read it in full, and submit a written report to the superintendent within 60 days of receiving a formal objection (this period can be extended if multiple objections are received). If the committee recommends removal, the material may be removed only from the specific library or building where the objection originated unless the committee specifies otherwise. Appeals of the committee decision must be submitted in writing and will be forwarded to the board for final action; the board will review the material in full before directing the superintendent on next steps.
Doctor Maloney added that librarians use professional journals, curriculum alignment reviews and stakeholder recommendations when acquiring materials, and said the district seeks transparent, fair processes for committee selection and review.
The board’s discussion emphasized the district’s existing policy timeline and the steps community members should follow if they wish to raise concerns about instructional materials.
