DCG board approves new reconsideration committee after public comments defending graphic novels

The Dallas Center‑Grimes Community School District Board on Monday approved a six‑member reconsideration committee to review a recent challenge to instructional materials after parents and community members spoke in support of the books at public comment.

Several speakers asked the board to preserve access to the two titles under review. Jenna Best, owner of Wandering Raccoon Books and a Grimes business member, told the board that stories serve as “doors, windows and mirrors” and argued graphic novels help students see experiences outside their own: “Let us open them and allow light, empathy, and kindness in,” Best said.

A resident who identified themself during public comment said works such as American Born Chinese should remain available to students, saying access to diverse stories matters to students who experience racism and harassment. That speaker said parents may still choose alternatives for their children under district practice, but urged the district not to remove access wholesale.

Superintendent Dr. Brent Bloom told the board the district is not seeking to ban books and that challenges will be handled by the formal reconsideration process in policy. “DCG as a district is not looking to ban books,” Bloom said, adding that the district will follow state law and its policies “to a t” when a parent or guardian requests reconsideration.

Under the approved procedure, the committee — composed of three staff members and three community members plus a non‑voting administrator facilitator — will meet, collect information, and deliberate. Bloom said committee deliberations and the actual vote on a challenged item occur in closed session; the committee then issues a recommendation to the superintendent. If the complainant appeals the superintendent’s decision, that appeal would come to the board for final action.

Several board members and administrators said the revised committee and the district’s approach aim to balance transparency and committee members’ ability to do thorough, unbiased work without undue pressure from external campaigning. Board members also discussed whether the public should receive longer notice of meetings; Bloom said the district followed attorneys’ advice and posted the committee notice the same way it would any special meeting.

The board approved the proposed membership list for the reconsideration committee by voice vote. The administration said the committee’s term and membership will be revisited before next school year as required by district policy.

The district emphasized that families retain the option to request alternate instructional materials for individual students while a formal reconsideration proceeds.