Public commenter urges library review and stricter dress‑code enforcement at District 99 meeting
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Summary
A member of the public raised concerns about sexually explicit images in library books and asked how the district removes materials; the commenter also criticized girls' dress and asked what repercussions exist for staff who do not enforce phone rules.
During the board's reception of visitors, community member Bobbie (Bobby) Zato addressed the board with multiple concerns about library materials and dress‑code enforcement.
Zato said he was returning to the board to "point out the evil," referencing previous remarks and alleging that some library books contain "vulgar, pornographic, and offensive" images that should not be given to students. He asked whether principals have authority to remove materials and how the district determines what is allowed. He also asked what disciplinary consequences exist for staff members who do not consistently enforce the cell‑phone policy.
The board chair responded that district policies and state laws govern library materials and that the district had shared challenge procedures with the commenter. The chair said he had not been told that board members were uncomfortable with prior presentations and reiterated that board protocols are followed and that the district would respond to communications received from the community.
The commenter also raised concerns about girls' dress, saying he observed students in attire he considered revealing and urging staff to enforce a stricter dress code. The board thanked the visitor for the comments and noted mechanisms exist for submitting written concerns to the board secretary.