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CFB ISD outlines SB13 library review process; 13 titles pulled for further consideration
Summary
The district described its collection development policy and a multi-step Senate Bill 13 compliance process for library materials. Several titles were "redlined" and removed from immediate approval pending a deeper review that includes consulting professional reviews and two certified readers. The district also noted a parent portal for viewing
Doctor Stout, presenting on library collection development, told trustees the district follows policy EFB (legal and local) and exercises discretion consistent with the First Amendment when selecting materials. She outlined the selection criteria used by certified librarians: at least two positive professional reviews, alignment with TEKS or instructional programs, age-appropriate content, reading level appropriateness and factual accuracy for nonfiction.
Stout described the district's SB13 compliance path: certified librarians compile titles and submit them for public comment; titles that draw questions during the public comment period are pulled from the list for "further consideration." In further consideration, "all available professional reviews" are consulted and two certified professionals read the book in its entirety before a final recommendation is made. She said 13 titles on the consent agenda had been redlined for deeper review.
Trustees asked how the board and public will find information on titles under review. Stout and staff said the district will produce an executive summary for titles undergoing additional review and reminded trustees of the parent portal that allows parents to view holdings and circulation for their own children. The district also plans to provide a short public statement explaining why each pulled title is undergoing further consideration.
No policy changes were proposed Nov. 6; the presentation was informational and described how the SB13 process is being operationalized in the district.
