Pine‑Richland board approves first reading of revised library policy after heated public comments and amendments

The Pine‑Richland School District Board of School Directors approved a first reading of a revised Library Resources Policy (109.1) on a 5‑4 vote after extensive public comment, multiple amendments and hours of board discussion.

Board action and key changes The board voted to approve the policy first reading as amended. The final roll call on the motion to approve the first reading (as amended) was: Cassidy — No; Morissette — Yes; Kashani — No; Hillman — Yes; Brucellus — Yes; Wiethorn — Yes; Terchick — No; Fortier — No; Miller — Yes (5 yes, 4 no). The approved first‑read version (as amended at the meeting) modifies parental review language and adds an interlibrary‑loan provision.

Why it matters The policy governs how library materials are selected, reviewed and removed across Pine‑Richland schools and was the focal point of repeated public comments over a book titled Angels of Greenwood and other titles. Parents, students, staff and community groups urged opposing outcomes: some urged broader curbs on certain titles and greater parental controls, while others said the changes would restrict students’ access and undermine librarians’ professional judgment.

What the revisions do (board‑approved changes at first reading) - Parental review: The policy was amended so that parents/guardians may contact the school librarian in writing to direct that “particular library material not be assigned to or checked out to their child.” The change struck a prior phrase that would have read “or otherwise be made available to their child.” That amendment passed by roll call during the meeting. Board discussion clarified administrators and librarians told the board they cannot guarantee policing every student’s access in the stacks but that they will work with parents to prevent assignment or checkout to an individual student. - Interlibrary loan: The board added a new section requiring the district to subscribe to a statewide online catalog and interlibrary loan service. Language adopted at the meeting requires parental/guardian permission (in writing, including email) before a student may request a title through interlibrary loan. The interlibrary amendment passed (roll call: 6 yes, 2 no, 1 abstain) and directs staff to work with librarians on how the service would operate in district schools. - Process and form changes: Board members directed that the reconsideration form and administrative regulation (AR) tied to the policy be revised to match the new process (superintendent review, board final decision, and updated form language). The board discussed whether the form should be an attachment to the policy or remain in an AR; staff will return with a revised AR/form consistent with the policy language.

Public comments and community reaction More than two dozen members of the public addressed the board during the meeting’s public comment period. Speakers included parents, students, teachers, and other residents. Comments fell into two dominant camps: those urging the board to restrict access to books they characterized as inappropriate, and those urging the board to trust librarians, teachers, and administrators in selecting materials.

- Students and current/former teachers urged the board to maintain wide access to books and to trust the professional judgment of librarians and classroom teachers. Junior Elise Duckworth told the board she was reading Angels of Greenwood and described the book as appropriate for ninth graders and important for teaching history. A high‑school junior said banning books would “leave your child unempathetic and uneducated.” - Several parents and community members said the board should preserve parental authority to restrict their own children’s…