Parent asks how to join Gonzales library advisory council as board approves 780 titles posted under Senate Bill 13

During public comment at the Oct. 7 McAllen Independent School District board meeting, parent Renee Clark identified herself as a Gonzales Elementary parent and asked how to join the school library advisory council and what impact that council has on materials available to students.

Felicia Villarreal (identified by the chair as the staff contact) responded that staff would collect Ms. Clark’s contact information and follow up by phone or email. The board did not respond substantively during the public‑comment period; the district noted that staff will reach out to provide information on serving on the committee.

Later in the meeting the board considered agenda item 6‑B‑2, a list of 780 elementary and middle school titles posted for the 30‑day public review required by Senate Bill 13. Ann Vega, director for Digital Learning and Library Services, told trustees the titles had been publicly posted on the district website and at school sites for the required period and that no public comments were received during the posting. Vega said that if a formal challenge is filed later, the challenger must follow the same review and challenge process used during the posting; that process requires committee review and a formal vote on any challenged title.

The board moved to approve purchase of the posted titles. Trustee Kittleman moved the item and Trustee Gallardo seconded; the motion passed 7–0.

Why it matters: Senate Bill 13 establishes a public‑posting and review process for certain library purchases. The parent’s question is procedural—how parents can participate on a site advisory council—while the board action advances acquisition of materials that were posted for statutory review.

Speakers and next steps

- Renee Clark — parent (Gonzales Elementary): asked how to become a member of the school library advisory council and asked whether parents can influence materials offered to students.

- Felicia Villarreal — staff contact (as identified by the chair): offered to collect Ms. Clark’s contact information for follow‑up.

- Ann Vega — Director, Digital Learning and Library Services: explained the SB 13 posting and challenge process and confirmed no comments were received during the 30‑day review.

District follow‑up: Staff agreed to contact Renee Clark with information on serving on the Gonzales Elementary library advisory council and on how challenges to library materials are processed.

Data note: The number of titles put forward for purchase (780) was stated by administration; the district reported no public comments during the required 30‑day posting period.