Committee reviews multiple curriculum, library, accountability, and drug testing policies in policy packet

Duluth Public Schools’ Policy Committee on Jan. 21 moved through a series of second readings and review items, discussing curriculum and accountability policies, library materials procedures, a drug‑alcohol‑cannabis testing policy, and a regulation to formalize a District Advisory Committee.

Why it matters: These items set the district’s curriculum review process, material selection rules, employee testing standards, and the makeup of a standing advisory group that will advise on comprehensive achievement and civic readiness.

Highlights from the packet: - Curriculum and accountability: The committee reviewed Policy 601 (School District Curriculum and Instruction Goals), Policy 603 (Curriculum Development), and Policy 616 (School District System Accountability). Staff said elements of a deleted multicultural education policy (60‑80) are integrated into the new curriculum policy rather than standing alone. Dale and Jen had presented the timeline for curriculum review. - Library materials: Policy 606.5 was reviewed; a small clarification added language about a master’s degree in library science or library media specialist licensure for certain staff roles. - Drug, alcohol and cannabis testing: Policy 416 was reviewed to align with legislative changes; staff noted the policy references Minnesota statutes, including the state’s statutes governing employer testing (transcript cites Minnesota Statutes sections 181.9 to 181.957 as the legal reference included in model forms attached to the policy packet). - Textbooks and instructional materials: Policy 606 was reviewed with a minor statutory renumbering noted. - District Advisory Committee regulation: A regulation to accompany Policy 616 was presented to define membership and meeting expectations for the District Advisory Committee. Staff proposed flexible language for committee composition and suggested four meetings a year, with some attendance expectations.

Committee members asked procedural questions about advisory committee membership and attendance expectations; one board member suggested using “may” instead of “will” when listing who may serve to preserve flexibility. Staff agreed to update the wording to “may include” to reflect flexibility in membership.

Cindy Miller, who attended to answer questions on library materials, was thanked for her work and attendance on an inclement weather day. Committee members also noted that deletions of older policies will be shown on the public agenda when items are removed and that the elements of equity and multicultural education are retained within the new curriculum documents.

No formal votes were taken on these items at the Jan. 21 meeting; items will return as required for second readings or final adoption.