Board defers consolidation of curriculum and objection procedures after member concerns
Summary
A proposed consolidation moving objection procedures into policy 25.20 (from 91.30), intended to align with statute 1006.28, was deferred after board members said it could reduce classroom flexibility and create confusion; staff said current procedures already comply with statute and will refine placement/wording.
The board debated a proposed consolidation of objection procedures that would move language from Policy 91.30 into 25.20 to create a single policy covering instructional materials, classroom libraries and library-media materials under statute 1006.28.
Proponents said the consolidation clarifies the objection process and ensures the objection form and process are easily discoverable. Member Rendon said attaching the objection form to the handbook and website would improve transparency. "...put it under 1 policy just stating this policy just states that we are going to follow the law, have an objection, and we are going to have a handbook," Rendon said.
Opponents, including Member Vaughn and the chair, said the consolidated language could be overly prescriptive, interfere with spontaneous classroom teaching, and reduce needed flexibility for teachers. The superintendent and staff noted the district already follows statute 1006.28 and that existing procedures in 9130 can be tightened; staff recommended further work rather than forwarding the consolidation to public hearing.
Outcome: The board agreed to defer the consolidation for additional staff review and to ensure procedures remain clear and accessible; neither policy was sent to public hearing from the workshop.
