Board raises concerns about Life of Pi and opens extended review for parental feedback

Board members discussed supplemental high‑school reading options March 5 and raised concerns about passages from Life of Pi that contain adult language and graphic descriptions. After a robust conversation about appropriateness and parental notification, trustees agreed to extend the review period for Life of Pi for an additional 60 days so parents can review the material and provide feedback.

Board member (Speaker 1) read aloud brief excerpts from Life of Pi and said certain lines ‘‘troubled’’ them as possibly sending the wrong message to high‑school readers. ‘‘I think it could send the wrong message,’’ the trustee said, citing passages describing cruelty and language the member found objectionable. Other trustees had mixed reactions: Speaker 3 recalled having read other challenging books in school and urged balancing exposure to difficult themes with parental notification and alternatives.

Superintendent (Speaker 6) explained the district’s literary committee process: committee members evaluate books, place recommendations on display and take parental feedback; supplemental readings can be designated by grade level and teachers can offer alternative assignments when requested. Board member (Speaker 5) proposed returning Life of Pi to display for 60 more days to solicit parent comment; Superintendent (Speaker 6) and Mrs. Pinto (High School Principal, Speaker 10) agreed to gather feedback and report at a future meeting. Board did not remove the title; they requested clearer parent notices and consideration of grade‑level designations if adopted.

Trustees emphasized transparency to families and the option for alternative assignments for students whose families object.