Abilene ISD outlines new School Library Advisory Council under SB 13; librarians urge careful appointments

At a Oct. 2 workshop, Abilene ISD staff outlined how the district will form a School Library Advisory Council to comply with Senate Bill 13, and two public commenters urged the board to protect professional librarians’ role and choose SLAC members who will follow district policy rather than personal preference.

Lindsay Williamson, the district’s executive director for secondary education, told the board that state rules require seven voting members appointed by trustees, a majority of whom must be parents of currently enrolled students and not employed by the district. "There are 7 voting members all appointed by the board, 1 by each board member," Williamson said, describing a three‑year term and a recommendation that all seven voting seats be parents to meet the majority requirement. She said the SLAC will advise on acquisitions, removal policies,…