Board hears first reading of proposed novel adoption; trustee objections cite violent content

The board heard an informational presentation Oct. 16 on a proposed novel adoption for secondary English classes and opted not to vote, taking it as a first reading so trustees would have time to review the text and teacher-provided materials before next month's meeting.

Director of Curriculum Annette Zucconi introduced the proposal and said it had been reviewed by the district’s Teaching and Learning Advisory Committee and would return for a vote next month with the proposing teacher present to answer questions. A student board member, Rebecca Hermann, said she found the series well written and appealing to student interest and engagement.

Several trustees expressed concern at the first reading. Trustee Rich Karnation objected strongly to the book’s subject matter after researching online content warnings, citing themes such as death, violence, physical and emotional abuse and harassment of minors and said he would vote no if the book were placed on curriculum lists. Trustee Paul Cugorno and others said they were inclined to oppose adoption for classroom assignment because it would not be a student choice and could expose some students to traumatic content.

Other trustees asked staff to ensure the book's standards alignment and usage plans were available for review; Zucconi said the proposal included links, standards alignment and a teaching-plan rationale prepared by the proposing teacher. The item will return at the next regular meeting for a decision after trustees review the text and associated teacher materials.

No vote was taken at the first reading. Trustees asked staff to circulate the full proposal and to expect the proposing teacher to attend the next meeting to answer questions.